Bibliometric, Scientometrics, Informetrics: Differences and similarities

This study has attempted to use the content analysis and factor analysis of the texts in Bibliometrics، Scientometrics and Informetrics areas to identify their differences and similarities. This study therefore aimed to determine similarities and distinctions in areas related to Bibliometrics، Scientometrics and Informetrics indexed in Social Science Citation Index during 1973-2009. The results of factor analysis respectively 8، 5 and 6 factor were extracted to Bibliometrics، Scientometrics and Informetrics areas. Differences obtained for specific content areas related to these areas are the only areas to be discussed. Accordingly، Bibliometrics focus on the standards، models، approaches and science policy، Scientometrics focus on indicators and draws on the topic structure of knowledge and informatrics on issues of Statistical Measures، modeling. Similarities in the areas mentioned review vevealed that the district was more common factors Bibliometrics with two other area is، in other words، this area has more thematic variety and relatively high overlap area with two Scientometrics and Informetrics survey.