Examining fifty years of replication studies in management and economics: a retrospective Scientometric-Bayesian multilevel analysis
摘要
There has been a notable growth in replication research across scientific disciplines, driven by increasing concerns over reproducibility and research integrity. However, in the fields of management and economics, limited work has systematically examined the intellectual structure, influential contributions, and driving factors behind replication efforts. This study addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of replication studies conducted between 1974 and 2023, using data from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, and applying a combination of bibliometric techniques and Bayesian multilevel modeling. We analyze global research output, identify leading authors and journals, and map the thematic and conceptual development of the field. Results indicate a significant rise in replication publications since 2010, with the United States, China and Germany emerging as the most prolific contributors. Thematic structures reveal major knowledge clusters in marketing and consumer behavior, innovation and decision-making, and quasi replications in R&D. Bayesian analysis further shows that replication research is significantly influenced by original author involvement, journal impact factor, and replication publication in the same journal. These findings highlight the increasing institutionalization of replication practices in management and economics and underscore the importance of sustained investment in rigorous, transparent, and collaborative replication work. By offering a structured review and evidence-based insights, this research provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to understand the dynamics of replication visibility, enhance research credibility, and contribute more effectively to cumulative knowledge.