The utility of scientific papers

descriptionPublicationkeyboard_double_arrow_right Article 01 May 1991 English Publisher:Springer Science and Business Media LLCJournal:Scientometrics, volume 21, pages 49-68 (issn: 0138-9130, eissn: 1588-2861,

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Authors: Jean-Louis Sikorav;

doi: 10.1007/bf02019182

The utility of scientific papers

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Abstract

This article investigates the function of scientific papers in the production of scientific knowledge. For this production, the citations made of these papers in the scientific literature can be considered as economic utilities. The work of the scientist is described as the production of citations by means of citations. The number of citations received by a given paper can be used to measure the paper's formal utility. The formal utility of scientific papers is studied empirically. It is concluded that the references contained in a scientific paper are a major determinant of its future utility.

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Impact byBIP!

	selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	10
	popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.	Average
	influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	Top 10%
	impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.	Average