Impact factor distribution revisited

Ding-wei Huang

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2017, vol. 482, issue C, 173-180

Abstract: We explore the consistency of a new type of frequency distribution, where the corresponding rank distribution is Lavalette distribution. Empirical data of journal impact factors can be well described. This distribution is distinct from Poisson distribution and negative binomial distribution, which were suggested by previous study. By a log transformation, we obtain a bell-shaped distribution, which is then compared to Gaussian and catenary curves. Possible mechanisms behind the shape of impact factor distribution are suggested.

Keywords: Journal impact factor; Citation dynamics; Lavalette distribution; Rank distribution; Frequency distribution; Log transformation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:482:y:2017:i:c:p:173-180

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2017.04.038

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