Deductive quantitative content analysis

In this chapter, we will introduce you to the method bibliometric literature review (BLR). You can use this deductive quantitative content analysis method to obtain a systematic review of publications. To lay the groundwork, we will first explain what publications actually are and what the systematic bibliometric analysis of literature is based on: citations. Bibliometric analysis requires the use of databases. Therefore, we will present a selection of databases and their advantages and disadvantages. After these basics are covered, three approaches to bibliometric literature review are presented, along with the research questions that can be addressed with each approach: (1) literature review and the question “what are the key publications on a specific topic or in a research field?” (2) mapping and the question “how is a research field (on a specific topic) structured, that is, what connections can be found?” and (3) topic analysis: “what content is discussed in a research field or on a specific topic?”