What does citation half-life mean for literature reviews?

A 10-year citation half-life suggests that 50% of the literature commonly cited is within the past 10 years. For systematic reviews, this implies searching the last 10–15 years will capture the majority of relevant work, but seminal foundational studies from earlier decades remain important.

Which education topics age fastest?

Educational technology literature ages rapidly (3–5 year half-life). Curriculum theory and educational policy evolve moderately (8–12 years). Foundational educational psychology (Piaget, Vygotsky) and measurement theory age slowly — seminal works from 50+ years ago remain heavily cited.

Citation Half-Life in Education Research

How It Works

Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science

Note: Interpret the citation half-life result against the clinical thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the values for the patient or scenario you are assessing. Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science. Use the citation half-life result to inform your clinical assessment.

Glossary and Definitions

Citation half-life: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.
Education literature: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.
Reference age: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.
Literature aging: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.
Bibliometrics education: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.
Knowledge turnover: A key concept in Citation Half-Life: Calculate or estimate citation half-life for education research literature — the median age of references cited in current publications. Education research typically has a half-life of 8–12 years, shorter than humanities, longer than computer science.