A macro study of self-citation

Author: Aksnes D.W.

Source: Scientometrics, Volume 56, Number 2, 2003 , pp. 235-246(12)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

This study investigates the role of self-citation in the scientific production of Norway (1981-1996). More than 45,000 publications have been analysed. Using a three-year citation window we find that 36% of all citations represent author self-citations. However, this percentage is decreasing when citations are traced for longer periods. We find the highest share of self-citation among the least cited papers. There is a strong positive correlation between the number of self-citations and the number of authors of the publications. Still, only a minor part of the overall increase in citation rates that can be found for multi-authored papers is due to self-citations. Also, the share of self-citation shows significant variations among different scientific disciplines. The results are relevant for the discussion concerning use of citation indicators in research assessments.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Norwegian Institute for Studies in Research and Higher Education (NIFU) Hegdehaugsveien 31, NO-0352 Oslo, Norway E-mail: Dag.W.Aksnes@nifu.no

Publication date: 2003-01-01