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Using Social Network Analysis to Complete Literature Reviews: A New Systematic Approach for Independent Researchers to Detect and Interpret Prominent Research Programs within Large Collections of Relevant Literature

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Title: Using Social Network Analysis to Complete Literature Reviews: A New Systematic Approach for Independent Researchers to Detect and Interpret Prominent Research Programs within Large Collections of Relevant Literature
Language: English
Authors: Cowhitt, Thomas, Butler, Timothy, Wilson, Elaine
Source: International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 2020 23(5):483-496.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Social Networks, Network Analysis, Literature Reviews, Systems Approach, Computer Software, Authors, Visual Aids
DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2019.1704356
ISSN: 1364-5579
Abstract: Literature reviews are required at early stages of a traditional research progression. Many systematic approaches help researchers identify relevant literature. However, there is far less support for interpreting large collections of references. Understanding the evolution of knowledge within a discipline requires an awareness of the collaborative networks from which significant advances originate. Unfortunately, this relational awareness is only acquired after years of professional experience. Therefore, early-career researchers are at a fundamental disadvantage when conducting literature reviews. Social Network Analysis (SNA) can make the interpretation of large collections of literature more manageable. This paper provides a method for generating a co-authorship network from reference lists. The partition of the co-authorship network into communities provides a reviewer with direction to organise literature into meaningful groups. The interpretation of seemingly disparate and entangled research programs is far more manageable when interpreting smaller collections of highly relevant literature.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1259596
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Literature reviews are required at early stages of a traditional research progression. Many systematic approaches help researchers identify relevant literature. However, there is far less support for interpreting large collections of references. Understanding the evolution of knowledge within a discipline requires an awareness of the collaborative networks from which significant advances originate. Unfortunately, this relational awareness is only acquired after years of professional experience. Therefore, early-career researchers are at a fundamental disadvantage when conducting literature reviews. Social Network Analysis (SNA) can make the interpretation of large collections of literature more manageable. This paper provides a method for generating a co-authorship network from reference lists. The partition of the co-authorship network into communities provides a reviewer with direction to organise literature into meaningful groups. The interpretation of seemingly disparate and entangled research programs is far more manageable when interpreting smaller collections of highly relevant literature.
ISSN:1364-5579
DOI:10.1080/13645579.2019.1704356