Lotka's Frequency Distribution of Scientific Productivity.

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Abstract:

In 1926, Alfred Lotka examined the frequency distribution of scientific productivity of chemists and physicists. After analyzing the number of publications of chemists listed in Chemical Abstracts 1907-1916 and the contributions of physicists listed in Auerbachs Geschichtstafeln der Physik, he observed that the number of persons making n contributions is about 1n sq of those making one and the proportion of all contributors that make a single contribution is about 60. Recently, investigators studying the applicability of Lotkas Law to the humanities and to map librarianship may have misinterpreted Lotkas law and have concluded erroneously that the law applies to these fields. Corrected calculations indicate that Lotkas law does not apply. Author

Author(s):
Coile, Russell C.
Author Organization(s):
CENTER FOR NAVAL ANALYSES ARLINGTON VA
Descriptive Note:
Professional paper,
Supplementary Note:
Prepared in cooperation with the Centre for Information Science, The City Univ., London, England.
Pagination:
0023

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CNA-PP-216
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.1.1_Wired Transmission; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_6.2.1_Information Sharing; JCA_6.2.2_Computing Services; JCA_6.2.3_Core Enterprise Services; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*REPORTS, *SCIENTISTS, INFORMATION TRANSFER, BIBLIOGRAPHIES, PRODUCTIVITY, STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTIONS, WORK MEASUREMENT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Information Science, Personnel Management and Labor Relations
Keyword(s):
Bibliometry, Lotkas Law
Report Date:
1978 Feb 01