A novel triangle mapping technique to study the h-index based citation distribution.

Area of Science:

• Bibliometrics and Scientometrics
• Information Science
• Economics

Background:

• The h-index is a widely used metric for scholarly impact.
• The h-index, however, does not fully capture citation distribution.
• Excess and h-tail citations significantly influence citation curves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel technique for analyzing citation function components.
• To visualize the relationship between h-squared, excess, and h-tail citations.
• To study citation function shapes using a perceivable graphical method.

Main Methods:

• Development of a triangle mapping technique.
• Mapping percentages of h-squared, excess, and h-tail citations onto a regular triangle.
• Analysis of the distribution of mapping points for a sample group.

Main Results:

• The triangle mapping technique provides a visual representation of citation function shapes.
• Distribution patterns reveal distinct characteristics of citation curves.
• The technique allows for comparative analysis of scholarly impact metrics.

Conclusions:

• The proposed triangle mapping technique offers a more comprehensive understanding of citation dynamics beyond the h-index.
• Visualizing citation components enhances the study of scholarly impact.
• This method can be applied to various fields, as demonstrated with economists.