The Evolution of Academic Keywords
Author Information
Author(s): R. Alexander Bentley
Primary Institution: Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether the evolution of academic keywords is driven by random copying or selection.
Conclusion
The study finds that social sciences exhibit more random copying and turnover in keywords, while physical sciences show greater selection and stability in keyword usage.
Supporting Evidence
- The study shows that social science keywords have a higher turnover rate compared to physical science keywords.
- Keywords in physical sciences tend to stabilize over time, indicating selection.
- The invention fraction of new keywords was found to be higher in social sciences than in physical sciences.
- Turnover in the top keywords was consistent in social sciences but leveled off in physical sciences.
Takeaway
This study looks at how academic keywords change over time, finding that some fields change a lot while others stick to certain words.
Methodology
The study analyzes keyword frequencies from the ISI Web of Science database across four case studies in social and physical sciences.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of case studies and the reliance on citation data.
Limitations
The analysis is limited to keywords recorded in the WoS database and may not capture all relevant vocabulary changes.
Participant Demographics
The study includes keywords from articles in both social sciences and physical sciences.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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