A comparison of a bibliometric approach and an historical approach to the identification of important literature

摘要

This study examines the problem of identification of important literature in a specific scientific area, quantum mechanics. An examination was conducted using two literature sets. The first set was identified using a bibliometric approach and the second was identified using an historical approach. A gamma test of association was employed, resulting in a finding of no significant association between the two files of important literature. Particular attributes of the literature under examination were also studied. These tests supported the finding of no association. Validation testing was done to insure the integrity of the results. The major conclusion in the study was that the use of citation analysis alone or historica analysis alone will not result in the same set of literature being produced. Use of one method singly appears to be risky since the second method of selection produces an entirely different literature. Areas for further investigation of this problem are suggested.