Visualizing Scientific Landscapes: A Powerful Method for Mapping Research Fields

Aya Shoshan, Jennifer Oser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

How can political science scholars use visualization and mapping tools to refine the development of research on complex theoretical concepts? Literature mapping, a powerful method commonly used in the natural sciences to visualize scientific landscapes, is not yet widely used in political science. This study illustrates the capabilities of this method by analyzing visual maps of academic research on the term "organizing"in the context of political action. We describe our multistep methodological approach for generating the maps and demonstrate how they can be analyzed to produce insights about themes, potential gaps, canonical literature, and levels of dialogue across research areas. We conclude by outlining future research possibilities generated by this study's literature mapping approach.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalPS - Political Science and Politics
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 1 Jan 2025

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Sociology and Political Science

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