Bibliometric analysis and social network applied to bibliometric dissertations presented in Spain (1976-2002): subjects, schools and academic networks

Abstract

The central issue of this paper is to explore the possibilities of SNA (Social Network Analysis) for detecting scientific schools and academic networks in the university through its application to the bibliometric doctoral dissertations presented in Spanish universities between 1970 and 2002. Furthermore, the development, thematic, institutional and geographic profile of the doctoral dissertations read in Spain in this period is established; key players in the birth of university research groups are identified and finally academic genealogies are traced. The TESEO database has been used to identify the bibliometric dissertations and composition of examining boards. The following variables have been studied: number of dissertations by year, center and university of thesis defense, subject, units of analysis, thesis advisor, participation in examination committees, advisor-candidate genealogies and information sources. The total number of dissertations produced during the studied period was 213. A fast growth in the number of dissertations read in this period is observed. At the beginning the University of Valencia produced the majority of these. Later, during a second stage, this university was replaced by other institutions such as Murcia, Complutense, Granada and Valladolid, all of them with similar results. The subject and faculty analysis confirms a very close relationship between Bibliometrics and Medicine; this being the discipline which uses it most, followed by Psychology. During the last years of the period LIS studies gained in strength. The SNA indicators highlight López Piñero’s role as a pioneer in the introduction of Bibliometrics in Spain and reveal how he spread his ideas among different actors which at a later stage occupied outstanding positions; but during the last years of the period studied they were displaced by new schools and researchers which are more polyvalent, like Elías Sanz Casado. The structural analysis shows five schools: Valencia-Murcia in Medicine, Valladolid, Valencia in Psychology, Madrid and Granada.