Influence and reputation in the social sciences - how much do researchers agree?

Author: Andersen Heine  

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd

ISSN: 0022-0418

Source: Journal of Documentation, Vol.56, Iss.6, 2000-11, pp. : 674-692

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Abstract

The existence of hierarchies based on reputation in modern science is indisputable. A set of common scientific journals is often assumed to be instrumental in the formation of these hierarchies. However, the character of the hierarchies, how monolithic/pluralistic they are and the functions of this differentiation have been discussed and caused controversy. The article brings together results from a survey of 788 Danish researchers, mainly from the social sciences, concerning their assessments of the most influential researchers and most important journals. The rankings indicate a pluralistic picture and only a moderate degree of consensus among researchers. Comparisons with (the few) other surveys and with citation data do not suggest this to be a peculiarity of Danish social scientists, however.