Can A Paper Garner Numerous Reads Despite Minimal Citations?

What constitutes a substantial number of citations for a research paper? When a paper garners 10 or more citations, it places the work among the top 24% of the most cited papers globally. As the number of citations climbs to 100 or more, the paper rises to the upper echelon of the top 1.8%. This data underscores a crucial point: the typical research manuscript receives fewer than 10 citations on average. This information was first shared on November 19, 2015.

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Determining the appropriate number of citations for a paper is a nuanced task that lacks a universally defined quantity or range deemed as “normal” or “standard.” Instead, the ideal number of references should be driven by the specific requirements and demands of your research. The number of citations you incorporate into your paper should be influenced by the extent of existing literature on the subject you are addressing. In essence, you should aim to include a sufficient number of citations to support and substantiate your arguments, while avoiding excessive referencing that could clutter your work. This approach ensures that your paper maintains a balanced and well-supported narrative.

Is having 20 citations for a paper considered a good achievement? In the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, particularly when looking at papers published in ISI-listed journals over the past decade, accruing 4-5 ISI citations can position an article within the top 50% of the most cited papers in these domains. However, to break into the top 10%, you typically need around 20 citations. This data, as of April 29, 2022, suggests that citation counts can vary significantly across disciplines and can be a valuable metric for assessing a paper’s impact within its specific field.