Analysing Levels of Scientific Collaboration of Iranian Researchers in the Web of Science: A Case Study of Social Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific cooperation network of Iranian researchers in the field of social sciences at the Web-based site from the beginning to the end of 2014. Scientometrics and network analysis indicators were used. Statistical population consists of scientific production of Iranian researchers in the Web of Science since the appearance of the first publication (with an affiliation to an Iranian university/institute) to the end of 2014 (9318 articles). The data were extracted from the Web of Science and analysed by Bibexcel, HistCite, and VOS Viewer. The findings of the research indicate that the articles of cooperation in the field of social sciences have been on a par with the following years. Based on the findings of the research, Iran's position in Middle Eastern countries is ranked third among the countries of Zionist regime and Turkey in terms of scientific production. Iran collaborated most with USA, UK, and Canada.The result showed 46.08 percent inter-institutional collaboration, 24.55 per cent intra-institutional collaboration, and 22 percent international collaboration. Overall, results indicated the average collaboration coefficient was 64%, and the trend has been upward, which indicates an increased willingness by Iranians authors for cooperative papers. The most dominated model of authorship was two and three authored articles respectively. In general, the findings of this study indicate the willingness of researchers to produce science in a collaborative way.

Keywords

• collaboration
• co-authorship
• social sciences
• iran
• web of science