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What are the key data sources for bibliometric studies (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions) and what are their comparative advantages and limitations?

I'm about to gather data for my analysis, and the choice of database seems critical. Colleagues debate between Scopus, Web of Science, and the newer Dimensions platform. I need a practical, experienced perspective on their comparative coverage, biases, and which might be best suited for a study in the social sciences.

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By Joshna Answered 3 years ago

My practical recommendation is to understand that this choice inherently shapes your results. Web of Science is the classic, highly selective standard, excellent for established STEM fields but can miss newer or interdisciplinary journals. Scopus offers broader coverage and is often more user-friendly, which I've preferred for comprehensive social science maps. Dimensions is a powerful newcomer with massive coverage, including books and grants, but its data hygiene can be variable. I would advise checking your core papers' coverage in each. For robustness, using more than one source is ideal if feasible, as it mitigates the unique biases of each platform.

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