Identification of important authors in science: A comparison of two methods of identification

Abstract

This study examines the problem of identification of important authors in science by examining authors in the area of quantum mechanics. An examination was conducted using two methods of identification. The first method was a bibliometric approach and the second a historical approach. A gamma test of association was employed resulting in a finding of significant association between the ranks of authors. The major conclusion was that, when restricted to the same authors, the two methods of identifying important authors produce a statistically significant number of equivalent names. Discussion of the results and areas for further investigation are included. © 1985.