Mapping Knowledge Produced on Problem-Based Learning between 1945 and 2014: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been systematized for over forty years. However, there is still a lack of studies that seek to visualize the evolution of scientific literature on the subject. This paper seeks to fill this gap through the development of a bibliometric analysis, by carrying out a data search on the Web of Science™ database and subsequently transferring the acquired data for treatment to the VantagePoint© software package. The data indicate that research on PBL shows a strong progression since the end of the twentieth century, with a high volume of the most impacting studies being carried out by a group of researchers who are currently linked to or used to be connected to the University Maastricht. As a result of these studies, a geographical (from North America and Europe to Asia) and academic (from research in medical education to other biomedical and engineering areas) spread of scientific production regarding this teaching methodology has arisen.