The correlation between scientific collaboration and citation count at the paper level: a meta-analysis

Collaboration has been widely investigated as a prevalent research activity. However, no consensus has been reached about the relationship between scientific collaboration and citation count. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively examine the strength and consistency of this relationship, using meta-analytic methods and measuring scientific collaboration by co-authorship. After the literature search and initial selection, 361 relevant papers were found. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 92 papers involving 340 effect sizes were included. A random-effect meta-analysis showed a significant positive and weak correlation between scientific collaboration and citation count (r = 0.146). Tests of publication bias and heterogeneity revealed that the result was reliable. In addition, disciplines, countries, document types and citation sources were found to influence the correlation as moderators significantly. Practical recommendations for research administrators and researchers were provided, including encouraging collaboration and maintaining a cost-benefit balance in collaboration.

Automated summary

This study used meta-analytic methods to examine the relationship between scientific collaboration and citation count, showing a significant positive and weak correlation between the two. The results were reliable, with factors such as disciplines, countries, document types, and citation sources influencing this correlation significantly. Suggestions for research administrators and researchers were also provided.