A re-examination of the Ortega hypothesis: The Dutch case

Abstract

Using data collected for a sample of 69 Dutch physicists, the present study employs a multivariate approach in order to re-examine the Ortega hypothesis. Stated succinctly, the Ortega hypothesis maintains that, in large measure, science has progressed through the efforts of many quite average scientists. Based on a combined citation search of 2763 source and reference authors, eminent scientists are shown to cite other eminent scientists, although not to the extent reported among American physicists in earlier research by theColes. The tendency for eminent scientists to cite other eminent scientists is a rather recent occurrence in The Netherlands, and may signal a major trend in the differential allocation of facilities and resources which, in turn, impact on the development of science in that country. In addition to the citation rate of source author's year of article's publication and length of source author's professional experience, are also shown to be significantly related to the eminence of reference authors cited, thereby signaling caution concerning rejection of the Ortega hypothesis.