The Challenge of Scientometrics: The Development, Measurement, and Self-Organization of Scientific Communications [Paperback]

Loet Leydesdorff (Author)

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Scientometrics-the quantitative study of scientific communication-challenges science and technology studies by demonstrating that organized knowledge production and control is amenable to measurement.

First, the various dimensions of the empirical study of the sciences are clarified in a methodological analysis of theoretical traditions, including the sociology of scientific knowledge and neo-conventionalism in the philosophy of science. Second, the author argues why the mathematical theory of communication enables us to address crucial problems in science and technology studies, both on the qualitative side (e.g., the significance of a reconstruction) and on the quantitative side (e.g., the prediction of indicators).

A comprehensive set of probabilistic entropy measures for studying complex developments in networks is elaborated. In the third part of the study, applications to S&T policy questions (e.g., the emergence of a European R&D system), to problems of (Bayesian) knowledge representations, and to the study of the sciences in terms of 'self-organizing' paradigms of scientific communication are provided. A discussion of directions for further research concludes the study.

About the Author

Loet Leydesdorff (Ph.D. sociology, M.A. philosophy, and M.Sc. biochemistry) is Senior Lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies of the University of Amsterdam. He has published extensively in the philosophy of science, social network analysis, scientometrics, and the sociology of innovation. This study can also be considered as the methodological complement to A Sociological Theory of Communications: The Self-Organization of the Knowledge-Based Society. The two books provide theory and methods for the investigation of the knowledge base in socio-cognitive processes of communication and codification.

Product Details

• Paperback: 355 pages
• Publisher: Universal Publishers; 2 edition (February 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581126816
• ISBN-13: 978-1581126815
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,013,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of the book 'The Challenge of Scientometrics (2nd ed), May 24, 2001

By 

PRABIR G.DASTIDAR (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Challenge of Scientometrics: The Development, Measurement, and Self-Organization of Scientific Communications (Paperback)

With unlimited growth of the knowledge enterprise, Science & Technology (S&T) studies assume increasing importance. It is now established that scientific developments and the enterprise of knowledge production is amenable to measurement. Scientometrics instruments provide vital inputs for the growth and development of Science & Technology both directly and by enabling S&T policies. The study of S& T requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing diverse subjects like mathematics, philosophy, sociology,history, etc. This multidisciplinary communication process is multi-layered, each layer having its own dynamics. A systematic and broad-based approach is required to understand the structure and dynamics of the knowledge domain of the subject specialties. Dr.Loet Leydesdorff of the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam has made significant contribution to the studies of Science,Technology and innovation. His multidisciplinary training (a scientist of considerable standing and a philosopher of science) is his added advantage to move effortlessly into different subject areas and get the best out of the diversity. His long and extensive research experience in the subject also has contributed immensely in giving shape to the book. The first edition of this book was published by DSWO Press of Leiden University in the year 1995. It was a popular one. The book was translated into Japanese and published by Tamagawa University Press. The present edition (2nd) is an extended version which have been thoroughly revised, updated and improved. A new chapter on firm behavior and institutional agency has been added. Both theory and methodology are discussed in depth with examples and citations. The presentation is simple and easy to understand. The book runs into 344 pages and these are spread over 13 chapters organized in three parts. Part I deals with Theoretical perspectives on scientometrics Part II deals with Methodological Studies, and Part III discusses Communication, Probabilistic entropy and Self-Organization. The subjects are distributed among the following chapters: - Scientometrics and the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge - The intellectual Organization of the Sciences, - The methodological Priority of Textual data, - Full Text Analysis of Scientific articles, - From Words and Co-words to Information and Probabilistic Entropy, - The Static Model, - Modelling the Dynamics of Scientific developments, - The Static and Dynamic Analysis of Network data, - Irreversibilities in Science & Technology networks, - The Impact of European Commission Policies of the Transnational Publication System, - Knowledge Representation, Bayesian Inferences, and Empirical Science Studies, - The Possibility of a Mathematical Sociology of Scientific Communications.

By writing the book the author has done a commendable job. He has covered all relevant topics. This book will be a very useful reference guide for researchers, teachers and policy analysts, particularly to those who are doing studies on Science & Technology. Scientometrics is a comparatively new discipline. With the rapid explosion of information the requirement and relevance of scientometrics studies are increasing. The book will help immensely to popularize Scientometrics and understand the depth and importance of the subject.

This important book rightly deserves wide readership. I have no hesitation in giving five star (*****) rating to the book.