The patterns and behaviors of researchers’ knowledge sharing in scientific social networks:A Case Study of Research Gate’ Question And Answer System

Scientific social networks were shaped as part of a set of social software and a platform for international interactions sharing the tangible and intangible knowledge of researchers. The purpose is to investigate the patterns and behaviors of knowledge sharing of researchers in Research Gate. Based on this, the question and answer system of this scientific social network was analyzed and reviewed.

Method is applied descriptive survey with web content analysis approach. The community studied was the questions and answers provided in the Q & A system of Research Gate. Two subject areas were selected, 127 questions and 408 responses related to these two domains were analyzed and reviewed.

Findings showed that the questions raised in two domains examined in the question and answer system of the scientific network were conceptual questions and replies in both domains were often intangible, and the type of presentation are scientific vision and mental pattern.  Most of the inquirers were researchers from Asian countries with less than 5 RG rank.  While researchers from European countries - with an RG rank of over 10, have been posting answers and sharing their expertise.

Q & A systems are diverse, efficient technologies for sharing knowledge and enhancing international interactions among researchers  beyond the geographical and political boundaries, which has created a place for the reproduction of scientific disciplines in the world. The results according to Castells, speak of latent power of social networks and question and answer systems in knowledge sharing and widespread knowledge boundaries that facilitate transfer of experiences, thought and knowledge of researchers and provide fertile ground for science.