Mastering Bibliometrics: Extracting Data from Web of Science

Mastering Bibliometrics: Extracting Data from Web of Science

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Accessing Web of Science Database
3. Conducting a Basic Search
4. Refining the Search Criteria
5. Extracting and Saving Bibliographic Data
6. Using Other Software for Citation Analysis
7. Analyzing the Downloaded Data
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the process of extracting bibliography data from the SEO Web of Science database. This bibliographic data can be utilized for citation analysis, co-citation and bibliographic coupling analysis, as well as Corcoran's and co-word analysis. Additionally, we can use this data for various content analysis purposes. The Web of Science database is one of the largest and most comprehensive databases, with coverage spanning back to the 1900s and over 90 million records. Before we dive into the details, it's important to note that accessing the Web of Science database requires institutional access.

Accessing Web of Science Database

To begin, navigate to the website of Web of Science and log in using your institutional access credentials. Once you're on the website, you will see the search bar where you can enter your search queries. For example, if you want to conduct a citation analysis of theories in international business, you can enter the keywords "theory" and "international business" in quotation marks to ensure exact matches. Click on the search button to retrieve the relevant articles.

Conducting a Basic Search

Upon conducting the search, you will be presented with a list of articles that match your search criteria. The number of articles displayed will depend on the keywords used and the specific field of study. In our example, we obtained 774 articles. However, to broaden our search, we can include other related terms such as "framework" to expand the scope of the analysis. After modifying the search query, we obtained a total of 1,126 articles.

Refining the Search Criteria

In some cases, it may be necessary to further refine the search criteria to focus on specific aspects of the research. For example, we can exclude certain fields like "international management" and "strategy" if they are not relevant to our study. This helps in narrowing down the search results to obtain more targeted data. Additionally, you can use the refine options to filter articles based on factors like open access, publication date, language, etc.

Extracting and Saving Bibliographic Data

Once you have narrowed down the search results and selected the articles of interest, it is important to review the abstracts of each article to ensure their relevance. You can eliminate any articles that do not align with the purpose of your research. After finalizing the selection, you can proceed to extract the bibliographic data. To do this, select all the articles in the marked list and choose the option to save them in a suitable format, such as plain text, which can be easily used with other software.

Using Other Software for Citation Analysis

Now that you have extracted the bibliographic data, you can utilize various software programs to perform in-depth citation analysis. Import the saved file into the software of your choice, and you will have access to a wealth of information. This includes the number of articles, authors, journals, citation counts, and keywords associated with the selected articles. By using these tools, you can gain valuable insights into the citation patterns and networks within your field of study.

Analyzing the Downloaded Data

Once you have imported the data into the software, you can begin analyzing it to draw meaningful conclusions. Consider factors such as the most cited articles, hot papers, and trends within a specific time frame. You can also explore co-citation patterns, bibliographic coupling, and keywords to identify common themes and relationships. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the current state of research in your field and can guide future research directions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, extracting and analyzing bibliographic data from the Web of Science database can offer valuable insights for citation analysis and content analysis purposes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively retrieve and utilize the wealth of information available in the database. Remember to refine your search criteria based on your specific research needs and utilize other software programs to conduct a thorough analysis. By harnessing the power of bibliographic data, you can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

Highlights:

• Retrieve bibliography data from the SEO Web of Science database
• Conduct citation analysis, co-citation analysis, and bibliographic coupling analysis
• Refine search criteria for targeted results
• Extract and save bibliographic data for further analysis
• Utilize other software for in-depth citation analysis
• Analyze downloaded data for trends and patterns
• Draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to the field of research

FAQ:

Q: How can I access the Web of Science database? A: Access to the Web of Science database requires institutional access. Contact your institution's library or research department for login credentials.

Q: Can I refine my search criteria to focus on specific aspects of research? A: Yes, you can refine your search criteria to exclude certain fields, filter by publication date, language, and more. This allows for more targeted results.

Q: What software can I use for citation analysis? A: There are various software programs available for citation analysis, such as Web of Science, Scopus, and EndNote. Choose the one that best suits your research needs.

Q: How can I analyze the downloaded data? A: Use the imported data in your chosen software program to analyze citation patterns, co-citation networks, and keyword trends. This will provide insights into the state of research in your field.