A scientist’s position within this ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index). The D-index is a refined metric that accounts exclusively for a researcher’s publications and citations within the examined discipline, in this case, Social Sciences and Humanities. By focusing on discipline-specific scholarly output, the D-index enables a more accurate assessment of a researcher’s influence in their primary area of expertise.
Scope of Research and Ranking Criteria
The ranking process involved an extensive examination of 279,971 scientist profiles across all disciplines identified from a variety of bibliometric data sources. Within the scope of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2,000 scientists were specifically analyzed in detail.
To qualify for consideration in the ranking, researchers were required to have a minimum D-index of 30, ensuring a baseline level of scholarly impact. Furthermore, a majority of their tier publications needed to be situated within Social Sciences and Humanities. Recognition of awards and notable achievements in the field also contributed as qualitative factors in the evaluation process.
The threshold for the D-index is set as incremental steps of 10, calibrated according to the estimated total number of scholars in each discipline. This methodology guarantees the inclusion of approximately the top 1% of leading scholars within the resulting list. Additionally, a proximity criterion is applied such that the difference between a scientist's general H-index and their D-index does not exceed 30%, helping confirm the disciplinary focus of their impact.
Verification and Validation Practices
The researchers behind this ranking recognize that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output or quality. Consequently, all scientist profiles included in the ranking were manually verified and cross-correlated with publications sourced from a broad array of trustworthy academic outlets. This rigorous validation process enhances the reliability and credibility of the ranking results.
While the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings is not a direct factor affecting the ranking position, it is regarded as a valuable secondary indicator of a scientist’s research contribution within Social Sciences and Humanities.
The ranking positions themselves are established through the D-index calculated using data from OpenAlex and CrossRef. These platforms represent the most prominent and widely acknowledged bibliometric databases available to the global research community for such analyses.
For further details on the methodology employed in creating this ranking, we invite readers to visit our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission Behind the Ranking
Research.com’s core mission in producing this ranking is to motivate researchers, academic institutions, corporations, and policymakers worldwide to examine where leading experts are directing their research efforts. By providing a transparent and authoritative reference for identifying top scholars in specific fields, countries, or institutions, we aim to foster greater connectivity and collaboration in the scientific community. Ultimately, our rankings serve as a trusted resource to highlight excellence and encourage continued advancement in Social Sciences and Humanities research.
