A mathematical approach to assess research diversity: operationalization and applicability in communication sciences, political science, and beyond

With today’s research production and global dissemination, there is growing pressure to assess how academic fields foster diversity. Based on a mathematical problem/solve scheme, the aim of this study is twofold. First, the paper elaborates on how research diversity in scientific fields can be empirically gauged, proposing six working definitions. Second, drawing on these theoretical explanations, we introduce an original methodological protocol for research diversity evaluation. Third, the study puts this mathematical model to an empirical test by comparatively evaluating (1) communication research diversity in 2017, with respect to field’s diversity in 1997, and (2) communication research and political science diversity in 2017. Our results indicate that, contrasted to pattern diversity, communication research in 2017 is not a diverse field. However, throughout the years (1997–2017), there is a statistically significant improvement. Finally, the cross-comparison examination between political and communication sciences reveals the latter to be significantly more diverse.

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03680-6

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Work Title A mathematical approach to assess research diversity: operationalization and applicability in communication sciences, political science, and beyond
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Manuel Goyanes
  2. Márton Demeter
  3. Aurea Grané
  4. Irene Albarrán-Lozano
  5. Homero Gil de Zúñiga
Keyword
  1. Research diversity
  2. Diversity
  3. Communication
  4. Political science
  5. Diversity gaps
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Scientometrics
Publication Date September 14, 2020
Publisher Identifier (DOI)
  1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03680-6
Deposited November 07, 2023

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Version 1
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  • Created
  • Added Post-Print_Goyanes_et_al.__2020__Scientometrics-1.docx
  • Added Creator Manuel Goyanes
  • Added Creator Márton Demeter
  • Added Creator Aurea Grané
  • Added Creator Irene Albarrán-Lozano
  • Added Creator Homero Gil de Zúñiga
  • Published
  • Updated Keyword Show Changes
    Keyword
    • Research diversity, Diversity, Communication, Political science, Diversity gaps
  • Updated