ABSTRACT
The relevance, applications and uses of scientometrics for the humanities and social sciences (HSS) are covered in this chapter. Differences between sciences and within disciplines in the HSS pose challenges that need to be addressed when scientometric studies are designed. Examining relevant and recent case studies, the chapter dissects them to reveal their importance in the HSS. Classified according to major themes of scientometrics, representative case studies are analysed in terms of data sources, affiliation of authors, objectives of the study, methodology, analysis and findings. In addition to specific case studies, several other related examples are discussed. A total of 24 cases and 40 examples were judiciously chosen and analysed to demonstrate the immense but untapped possibilities of scientometric studies in the HSS. This analysis offers an opportunity for prospective users to learn the advantages and disadvantages of applying different scientometric methods and data sources to the study of the disciplines in the HSS. The chapter also gathers a range of variables that can be employed in scientometric studies in these disciplines. The areas for new and novel investigation in scientometrics are outlined.
