This document discusses mapping and visualizing the core of scientific domains using social network analysis techniques. It introduces the concept of a "Network of the Core" (NC) to represent relationships between theoretical constructs, models, and concepts. NCs can be directional, showing causal relationships, or directionless, showing general connections. NCs can reveal hidden characteristics of a research domain like central constructs. The document demonstrates directional and directionless NCs for information systems research domains. NCs help conceptualize domains, identify missing links, and explore research opportunities. Future work should construct more detailed NCs to analyze research domain structures.

1. Mapping and Visualizing The Core of Scientific Domains: Information System ResearchAuthors:GoharFeroz Khan*Junhoon Moon**Han Woo Park**Department of Media & Communication, YeungNam University, Republic of Korea**Information Management & Marketing, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Republic of KoreaPrepared for COLLNET 2011, Seventh International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics and Scientometrics (WIS), 20-23 September, 2011, Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey, http://collnet.cs.bilgi.edu.tr/program/programme/An updated version of this article is accepted for publication in the Scientometrics journal

2. IntroductionMapping &Visualizing the Scientific Knowledge

3. Visualizing and gauging a network of scientific knowledge is an emerging area of interest (Blatt, 2009; Perianes-Rodríguez, Olmeda-Gómez, & Moya-Anegón, 2010; R. Zhao & Wang, 2011).

4. Science of analyzing Science

5. For example, one of the fundamental approaches is Scientometrics, which is used to gauge and analyze science (LoetLeydesdorff, 2001; Price, 1965).2

6. IntroductionScientometrics analyses are mainly based on bibliometrics methods, such as citation (Leydesdorff, 1998) and content analysis (Wiles, Olds, & Williams, 2010).

7. One of the interesting and emerging areas in the field of Scienctometrics is the use of social network concepts for analyzing scientific knowledge (Hou, et al., 2008; Lee & Jeong, 2008; Nagpaul, 2002; Park, Hong, & Leydesdorff, 2005; Park & Leydesdorff, 2009; Pritchard, 1969; Wang, et al., 2010).3

8. IntroductionSocial network approaches, utilized in Scientometrics, have the premise of the quantitative analysis of scientific knowledge indicators (e.g. no. of publications and patents) and the collaborative network among researchers (e.g. citation analysis and co-authorship analysis) (Hou, et al., 2008; Lu & Feng, 2009; Newman, 2001; Park, et al., 2005; Park & Leydesdorff, 2008; Pritchard, 1969).4

9. IntroductionHowever, in this study

10. However, in this article, we used social network analysis techniques (Wasserman & Faust, 1994) to visualize and gauge the core of scientific knowledge:

11. theoretical constructs,

12. models, and

13. ConceptsThis concept is not yet explored in the field of Scientometrics5

14. Research QuestionCan a network among theoretical constructs, models, and concepts used in a particular scientific text be constructed?

15. Can we visualize and model the underlying casual or theoretical relationship among theoretical constructs and models used in scientific literature by employing social network analysis techniques?6

16. Network of the Core (NC)NC concept is introduced to achieve three main objects:1) The NC can be used to reveal the hidden characteristics of a research domain, such as:Density (overall density or cohesion of a theoretical domain);

17. Centrality—to determine the most important or central theories and constructs of a research domain;

18. Bridge—to determine bridging theories or constructs, etc.2) Conceptualize a research domain and derive the number of possible missing and potential links or researcher hypothesis graphically and mathematically (using directionless NCs).3) Explore the strengths and limitations of a research domain from the structural characteristics perspective.Note: throughout the article we use IS research domain to demonstrate NC concept7

19. Purpose of NCQuantifya research domain by constructing network of constructs and theories

20. Assist researchers in finding a missing link, researchable area or hypothesis

21. Increase understanding

22. Point out possible strengths and shortcomings of a research domain8

23. NC concept in ISThe concept of graphically presenting or conceptualizing a research domain/sub-domain can be found in EG literature, for example,

24. Saeboet al., (2008) presented the graphical shape of e-participation.

25. Similarly, Dewan and Riggins (2005), constructed graphical view of digital divide research domain.

26. More recently, Khan et al., (2010a) proposed the shape of EG research taking place from developing and developed country perspective

27. Khan et al., (2010b) proposed mapping and visualizing e-government research theoretical constructs using mathematical and conceptual models to identify certain strengths and limitations, such as, identifying a missing links within a theoretical domain and a potential research hypothesis not visible otherwise. 9

28. Network of the core: IS researchAt the core of Scientific domains, particularly IS research we have:

29. Theories

30. Mainly, there are two types of theories: classification and causality base theories (Parsons & Shils, 1962).

31. Based on theories we conceptualize Models and Theoretical constructs.

32. Models