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Indicators of disciplinary differentiation: Interdisciplinary linkages and adoption rate of biological innovations

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Abstract

Two indicators regarded to reflect the status of disciplinary differentiation were assessed through citation analysis. Adoption of scientific innovations (publications utilizing new scientific information) and interdisciplinary linkages (percentage of total publications of single disciplines which are cross-referenced by other disciplines) were investigated in selected biological professions. Findings indicated: 1) a significant delay in the use of innovations and a significant difference in the emphasis of interdisciplinary linkages in several professions and disciplines; 2) faster adoption of innovations and greater interdisciplinary linkages in areas with broader disciplinary contents; 3) an inter-personal communication pattern; and 4) slower adoption in applied than in basic fields.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, (USA)

    A. L. Rivas, R. N. González & F. W. Quimby

  2. Department of Education, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, (USA)

    D. Deshler

  3. Department of Communication, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, NY, (USA)

    R. D. Colle

Authors
  1. A. L. Rivas
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  2. D. Deshler
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  3. R. D. Colle
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  4. R. N. González
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  5. F. W. Quimby
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Rivas, A.L., Deshler, D., Colle, R.D. et al. Indicators of disciplinary differentiation: Interdisciplinary linkages and adoption rate of biological innovations. Scientometrics 37, 63–86 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02093485

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02093485

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