Correlation between references and citations

• Main Authors: Mahshid Sajjadi, Dariush Alimohammadi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Webology Center 2009-06-01
• Series: Webology
• Subjects: References; Citations; Correlation
• Online Access: http://www.webology.org/2009/v6n2/a71.html

There are various opinions on the possible correlation between references and citations. The main question is that is there a positive correlation between the number of times a paper is cited (citations received) and the number of its references? Some of the researchers have stated that there is no or low relationship between references and citations; while others have showed evidences on a given powerful relationship. The present study, in response to this question, aims to find out an adequate answer to this problem based on the existed literature. To achieve this purpose, various opinions are considered, the diversity in interpretation of the problem is illustrated, the review is done and a sufficient conclusion is presented. This study shows that such relationships can be used as basis for predictions, by extrapolation, assuming that the publication and citation practices of authors will remain stable in the future. Results of this research can shed light on the current status of the problem.