High-Impact Social Work Scholars: A Bibliometric Examination of SSWR and AASWSW Fellows. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hodge, David R.; Kremer, Kristen P.; Vaughn, Michael G.
• Is Part Of: Research on social work practice. Volume 26:Number 7(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 751
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: high-impact scholars -- scientific impact -- bibliometrics -- social work scholarship; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.3205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731516645929
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7315

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the bibliometric contributions of high-impact social work faculty. Methods: Toward this end, we used a sample comprising fellows ( N = 143) affiliated with the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) and the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW). To quantify impact, we relied primarily upon the h-index (a measure of lifetime scholarly impact) and the m-index (which adjusts for career length). Results: Analyses revealed the mean h-index value for SSWR fellows ( M = 26.44, SD = 14.72) was substantially lower than the mean for AASWSW fellows ( M = 32.52, SD = 15.96), but minimal differences existed in m-index values. H- and m-index values for the 40 highest impact scholars ranged, respectively, from 33 to 93 and 1.13 to 3.33. Conclusions: The results indicate the social work profession includes many researchers who are making an exceptional scientific impact.