Search strategy, construction and use of citation networks, with a socio‐scientific example: “Amorphous semi‐conductors and S.R. ovshinsky”

The deductions which may be made from inspection of a citation map of the literature are briefly described, and a search algorithm is given for the construction of such maps. Following the construction and assessment of a network describing the development of amorphous semiconductors, it is concluded that citation diagrams are a valuable aid for socio‐scientific studies.