Mapping Authors in Intellectual Space

Abstract

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and clustering analysis of the co-citation patterns of 58 authors are used to explore the intellectual organization of population genetics and related specialties. In two dimensions, author clusters are arranged along a horizontal continuum reflecting a range of research specializations from highly molecular-oriented research to that focusing on the analysis of organisms interacting with each other and their environment. The vertical dimension separates theoretical (formal) approaches from research that is primarily experimental or observational in nature. Author placement and cluster assignment may also reflect institutional affiliations and national research efforts. Co-cited author mapping, with the author as the unit of analysis, is likely to complement studies of informal communication networks.