A new citation concept: Triangular citation in the literature

This paper introduces the concept of triangular citation that combines direct citation, co citation and bibliographic coupling, and defines three kinds of literature used in triangular citation, namely, original Literature A, intermediary Literature B and following Literature C. Taking citation data from the CNKI database as the experimental sample, it was found that there are triangular citations in the actual citation network, with a high coverage rate. Additionally, the authors analyzed the triangular citation sample data from the different perspectives of reference time, literature type, impact factor, interdisciplinary citation, and the author's self-citation, thereby finding the external characteristics of literature and internal trends of citation in the triangular citation. Additionally, it was concluded that the literature between A and C has an indirect citation mechanism. The citation characteristics of the two, i.e., A and C, are different from the direct citation relationship characteristics of A and B and B and C. The triangular citation proposed in this paper provides a new research perspective for bibliometrics, and it can be used to explore hidden literature relationships, citation mechanisms and citation motivations. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper introduces the concept of triangular citation that combines direct citation, co citation and bibliographic coupling, and defines three kinds of literature used in triangular citation. The experimental sample from CNKI database shows the existence of triangular citations in the actual citation network with a high coverage rate. The analysis of triangular citation sample data reveals different characteristics and conclusions from various perspectives.