Journal Use in Sociology: Citation Analysis versus Readership Patterns

This paper examines the hypothesis that citation patterns parallel readership patterns in sociology. A stratified random sample of sociologists was asked to record the social science journals they regularly read. These journals were ranked by frequency and then compared to Baughman's list of the most frequently cited journals. Although there is some overlap between citations and readership, citation patterns reflect a cross-disciplinary focus that is not found in the journals most often read. Further, citation studies underestimate the usefulness of popular social science periodicals and specialty and regional journals in sociology.