**4. Fields of study in Colombian social sciences. Relevant results**

**Table 1** describes the sociometric properties of each group identified in **Other Social Sciences.**

Being an area that integrates several disciplines, it is expectable for thematic groups to have diverse analysis lines. In group 1, for example, at least three sub-groups are differentiated; The first one is focused in science studies and scientific production, the second one emphasizes in the problems associated to violence and the third agglomerates social and anthropologic study proposals and methodological approaches.

Other lines are focused on experiences linked to the armed conflict and the necessity of the social capital recovery, as well as conflicts regarding the environment and the territories. Equally,


**Table 1.** Keywords networks analysis in Other Social Sciences: description of metrics by thematic lines.

**3. Methodological aspects of the study**

148 Data Mining

Science, Technology and Innovation (SCIENTI-Col).

to clearly identify the sub-groups and their interaction.

study proposals and methodological approaches.

2992 scientific articles published between 2006 and 2015 were analyzed for this study, all indexed in WoS, Scopus and other regional and international bibliographic databases (PsycINFO, Scielo, REDALyC, Political Science Complete, ProQuest, and others). The works belonged to the areas of Psychology, Education, Law, Sociology, Political Sciences, Journalism and Other Social Sciences (Economics, Anthropology, i.a). The production was developed by 7774 researchers from 168 research groups classified in the Colombian National System of

The keyword networks analysis was accomplished through the construction of vertical edge matrices using the NodeXL Excel Template (2016 version) software. For the generation of sub-groups inside networks the cluster coefficient of each area of knowledge was used. The cluster coefficient is the measure in which the nodes of a graph tend to cluster together with a relatively high density of the links. In this study, the clusters were calculated using the Clauset-Newman-Moore algorithm [31], which is highly effective for inferring community structure from network topology, being much faster than other algorithms that precede it, as well as allowing the calculation of community structure analysis in very large networks. Subsequently the group metrics were calculated, being: word counting by semantic group, number of established connections, maximum geodetic distance (DGM), its respective statistic measure (GDμ), and the relational density of each group. As a general criterion, it was defined that the main groups chosen would have a minimum integration of 10 keywords.

The visualizations of the networks (graphs) were organized using *grid algorithm,* which allows

The graph distribution was made with Harel-Koren Fast Multiscale [32], which eases the esthetic drawing of non-directed graphs with edges ordered in straight line, accomplishing the drawing procedure quickly for big networks. The node sizes were assigned according to the gross nodal degree obtained, that is the number of mentions in each term, the visualizations show all the nodes sized above 5, the lesser-graded nodes were overshadowed from 25

**Table 1** describes the sociometric properties of each group identified in **Other Social Sciences.** Being an area that integrates several disciplines, it is expectable for thematic groups to have diverse analysis lines. In group 1, for example, at least three sub-groups are differentiated; The first one is focused in science studies and scientific production, the second one emphasizes in the problems associated to violence and the third agglomerates social and anthropologic

Other lines are focused on experiences linked to the armed conflict and the necessity of the social capital recovery, as well as conflicts regarding the environment and the territories. Equally,

to 40% for the purpose of esthetic, simplicity and better readability of the graphs.

**4. Fields of study in Colombian social sciences. Relevant results**

studies surrounding health, life quality and well-being of individuals in the civil reintegration process are highlighted. The scientific interest is also attracted by child labor, particularly referring to exploitation, violation of rights and exposure to risk conditions associated with work.

Groups 8 and 9 cross the eminent social barrier of the other groups, focusing on financial or administrative nature issues. Clustering terms related to the organizational activities and their financial affairs.

**Figure 1** shows that thematic groups in Other Social Sciences have low density. The main inter-group relations are given between groups 1, 2 and 3, and between 2 and 4. Few thematic

**Figure 1.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Other Social Sciences.

interactions are found, perhaps because it is an area that includes research groups from different disciplines.

Information regarding thematic lines identified in **Psychology** appear in **Table 2**. In this discipline, the highest number of interconnected terms is related to neuroscientific issues and mental health, syndromes, conduct disorders and neuropsychological problems.

Several therapeutic approaches also excel inside relevant study topics, with cognitive system as precedence. Gender approach has an important role, specially facing phenomena as violence and sexuality. The qualitative notion of health and illness is seen from a perspective focused on the meanings constructed around the disease experience. The dynamic is also supported with other thematic lines directed to the meaning construction in front of social phenomena.

We observed interest in the social nature of psychological conditions of teens and children, by approaching violence, aggression and their related elements as factors that influence mental health and functional and non-functional behavior.

> Among other thematic groups, psychology research in Colombia approaches: (a) consumer behavior, publicity and alike, (b) analysis of family's cycle of life, affective relationships and family dynamics, highlighting a particular role in the analysis of the differences between men and women in issues related to family development, (c) axiological study of social problems through the integration of values, moral, reflexivity and relational, social, political conflict, (d) methodological studies (qualitative, quantitative), epistemological revisions and reflexive approaches about the discipline's reach. **Figure 2** shows keywords network for Psychology.

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**Figure 2.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Psychology.

Colombian research produced in the area of **Laws** shares with the other described disciplines an interest towards armed conflict, human rights and diverse social and juridical issues associated with violence. Among the production of Law researchers also excel the topics related to international processes that involve human groups migration, States participation and the protection guarantees of the migrants. Another local context issues are clearly relevant such as armed conflict and transitional justice, illegal actors, disarmament processes and the relations with the victims. The approach of mediation stands out as an instrument associated with the construction of peace. In addition, terms inherent to law and juridical exercise ethics are also common (**Table 3**).

Inside the field of study around Laws in Colombia, the following topics have been objects of academic analysis: (a) protection relating to personal interests over real rights and properties, (b) historical sources revision, reflexive analysis of the juridical exercise, (c) ownership and tenure of land, crops and peasant labor, agro-industry and rural development from a perspective of agrarian law and social rights, (d) analysis of criminal law issues, from an accusatory perspective as well as a focus on the defendants and their protection guarantees, (e) the reality of women as a infringed individuals, integrating terms related to intimate, moral and sexual rights of women.

The graph (**Figure 3**) generated for this field of knowledge allows to identify a high connection level between keywords of each thematic group, moreover, there is a notorious relation between groups 2, 3, 5 and 6. For its part, group 1, which thematic is focused on conflict, migrations and


a = Maximum Geodetic Distance.

b = Mean geodetic distance.

**Table 2.** Keywords networks analysis in Psychology: thematic lines metric description.

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interactions are found, perhaps because it is an area that includes research groups from dif-

Information regarding thematic lines identified in **Psychology** appear in **Table 2**. In this discipline, the highest number of interconnected terms is related to neuroscientific issues and

Several therapeutic approaches also excel inside relevant study topics, with cognitive system as precedence. Gender approach has an important role, specially facing phenomena as violence and sexuality. The qualitative notion of health and illness is seen from a perspective focused on the meanings constructed around the disease experience. The dynamic is also supported with

We observed interest in the social nature of psychological conditions of teens and children, by approaching violence, aggression and their related elements as factors that influence mental

mental health, syndromes, conduct disorders and neuropsychological problems.

other thematic lines directed to the meaning construction in front of social phenomena.

**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G3 119 581 10 3.908 0.044 Violence, aggression and mental health G4 92 448 11 4.164 0.058 Qualitative social research and consumer

G1 183 944 9 3.888 0.032 Health and neuropsychological rehabilitation G2 132 642 12 4.720 0.039 Clinical psychology, psychotherapy and public

G5 86 336 7 3.096 0.051 Quantitative methods; ethics and social/family

G6 82 330 9 4.166 0.055 Family, attachment relationships and gender G7 53 205 5 3.104 0.082 Basic and applied psychology epistemology

G9 41 113 8 3.367 0.090 Instrumental studies in clinical psychology G10 37 128 6 3.217 0.114 Psychology and psychopharmacology G11 36 148 5 2.924 0.140 Health significances, illness and social

G8 46 231 4 2.408 0.118 Basic research and neurosciences

G13 22 74 6 2.711 0.173 Subjectivities, violence and rights G14 21 78 5 2.531 0.214 Basic research in consumer psychology G15 18 61 6 2.759 0.222 Psychology of work and social inclusion G16 15 38 5 2.347 0.238 Positive approach in health and coping

G12 25 82 4 2.438 0.160 Bibliometric studies

G17 15 47 4 1.982 0.295 Psychology of language

**Table 2.** Keywords networks analysis in Psychology: thematic lines metric description.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

health

psychology

development

conflicts

health and functional and non-functional behavior.

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

ferent disciplines.

150 Data Mining

**Figure 2.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Psychology.

Among other thematic groups, psychology research in Colombia approaches: (a) consumer behavior, publicity and alike, (b) analysis of family's cycle of life, affective relationships and family dynamics, highlighting a particular role in the analysis of the differences between men and women in issues related to family development, (c) axiological study of social problems through the integration of values, moral, reflexivity and relational, social, political conflict, (d) methodological studies (qualitative, quantitative), epistemological revisions and reflexive approaches about the discipline's reach. **Figure 2** shows keywords network for Psychology.

Colombian research produced in the area of **Laws** shares with the other described disciplines an interest towards armed conflict, human rights and diverse social and juridical issues associated with violence. Among the production of Law researchers also excel the topics related to international processes that involve human groups migration, States participation and the protection guarantees of the migrants. Another local context issues are clearly relevant such as armed conflict and transitional justice, illegal actors, disarmament processes and the relations with the victims. The approach of mediation stands out as an instrument associated with the construction of peace. In addition, terms inherent to law and juridical exercise ethics are also common (**Table 3**).

Inside the field of study around Laws in Colombia, the following topics have been objects of academic analysis: (a) protection relating to personal interests over real rights and properties, (b) historical sources revision, reflexive analysis of the juridical exercise, (c) ownership and tenure of land, crops and peasant labor, agro-industry and rural development from a perspective of agrarian law and social rights, (d) analysis of criminal law issues, from an accusatory perspective as well as a focus on the defendants and their protection guarantees, (e) the reality of women as a infringed individuals, integrating terms related to intimate, moral and sexual rights of women.

The graph (**Figure 3**) generated for this field of knowledge allows to identify a high connection level between keywords of each thematic group, moreover, there is a notorious relation between groups 2, 3, 5 and 6. For its part, group 1, which thematic is focused on conflict, migrations and


gender, constitutes a sub-group that agglomerates a vast number of keywords with high-leveled nodal degree, what exposes this group as the area in the field of Laws in Colombia with the

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In the case of **Education** (**Table 4**), 12 thematic lines were identified as relevant, with an important variety of contents due to the reach of the groups registered in the Colombian scientific system, focusing not only in pedagogical processes at a school level, but also in

Research in the education field in Colombia over the period 2006–2015 has shown a strong interest in technology and its application to the education of basic sciences, and also has emphasized in elements related to teaching/learning methods and the pedagogical reflection

A relevant area consists in the analysis of the role of education, school and educational actors in front of a diversity of social issues that affect the individual and its community cores. The notion of human development is certainly appreciated as a transversal element in the educa-

Investigation, teacher's research formation, knowledge diffusion and its visibility are also themes approached by this discipline, accentuating the usage of technological tools in relation to the abilities and competences on its handle. In the second instance, there is interest regarding the disciplinary performance and the role of education as a mechanism of socio-political

**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G2 90 326 11 4.018 0.050 Education in front of social issues

G4 32 104 5 2.938 0.125 Disciplinary and informational skills

G8 22 72 6 2.888 0.190 Cognitive functioning and performance

G9 17 66 4 2.035 0.272 Teaching and teaching practice G10 16 51 4 2.000 0.267 Science teaching and mathematics G11 15 54 3 1.831 0.305 Specific teaching performance G12 15 65 3 1.938 0.305 Childhood, care and protection

G5 31 95 6 2.968 0.131 Education and politics G6 24 75 4 2.219 0.167 Ethics and education

**Table 4.** Keywords networks analysis in Education: thematic lines metric description.

G1 99 335 9 3.750 0.045 Tech. basic sciences and didactical fundamentals

G3 34 106 7 3.126 0.112 Educational research, scientific visibility and

G7 23 56 7 3.009 0.142 Violence and education sociohistorical approach

problem intervention

tional field, also denoting an interdisciplinary perspective of education.

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

highest exploration level in the last decade.

university teaching and the study of sciences.

in sciences and at general level.

transformation (**Table 4**).

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance.

b = Mean geodetic distance.

**Table 3.** Keywords networks analysis in Laws: thematic lines metric description.


**Figure 3.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Laws.

gender, constitutes a sub-group that agglomerates a vast number of keywords with high-leveled nodal degree, what exposes this group as the area in the field of Laws in Colombia with the highest exploration level in the last decade.

In the case of **Education** (**Table 4**), 12 thematic lines were identified as relevant, with an important variety of contents due to the reach of the groups registered in the Colombian scientific system, focusing not only in pedagogical processes at a school level, but also in university teaching and the study of sciences.

Research in the education field in Colombia over the period 2006–2015 has shown a strong interest in technology and its application to the education of basic sciences, and also has emphasized in elements related to teaching/learning methods and the pedagogical reflection in sciences and at general level.

A relevant area consists in the analysis of the role of education, school and educational actors in front of a diversity of social issues that affect the individual and its community cores. The notion of human development is certainly appreciated as a transversal element in the educational field, also denoting an interdisciplinary perspective of education.

Investigation, teacher's research formation, knowledge diffusion and its visibility are also themes approached by this discipline, accentuating the usage of technological tools in relation to the abilities and competences on its handle. In the second instance, there is interest regarding the disciplinary performance and the role of education as a mechanism of socio-political transformation (**Table 4**).


b = Mean geodetic distance.

**Figure 3.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Laws.

**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G2 132 731 7 3.580 0.041 Constitutional and administrative law G3 95 476 12 4.449 0.054 Conflicts, mediation, peace and law ethics G4 88 389 8 4.153 0.055 Special protection groups and social rights

G5 82 567 9 4.093 0.081 Civil and patrimonial right

G10 29 195 4 2.257 0.239 Law and criminal processes

G12 17 88 4 2.021 0.324 International law studies

**Table 3.** Keywords networks analysis in Laws: thematic lines metric description.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

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G1 179 933 7 3.341 0.033 Armed conflict, international right, migration and

G6 69 365 10 3.751 0.081 Violence, refugee protection and environment

G7 69 483 7 3.302 0.097 Public law and supranational issues G8 57 288 11 4.596 0.095 Epistemology, history and Right

G9 40 207 5 2.565 0.138 Agricultural, environmental issues and

G11 24 95 5 2.448 0.185 Violence against women and rights approach

G13 17 100 3 1.647 0.404 Public administration and crime studies G14 15 81 3 1.662 0.419 Individual freedoms and role of the state

minorities with gender approach

countryside dev.

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

**Table 4.** Keywords networks analysis in Education: thematic lines metric description.

Other relevant contents in Education are: (a) Political vision assessment as a linked factor of educational teaching. The analysis of politics excels from the citizen participation and the state, and also the concept of subject as political subject, (b) ethical analysis focused on teaching, (c) analysis in Colombian history perspectives about violence, (d) the analysis of cognitive skills and individuals' performance in the task execution, (e) especially in decisive strategies for problems or accomplishment of tasks in basic sciences specific areas of formation, (f) the teaching exercise and the role of the teacher. This includes theoretical points and pedagogical approaches of the educational activity, the teacher's performance and skills from a perspective of academic specialization, directing the interest to professional performance areas, (g) welfare of the children, integrating the education with complementarian areas which focus was centered in the attention, care and prosperity of the minors.

**Figure 4** graphically shows the suggested groups of keywords analysis for Education. It can be observed that groups 1,2,3 and 7 establish tight transitive connections. Highlighting group 1 (*Technology, basic sciences and didactical fundamentals*) as the most developed component in the educational area in terms of interconnected keywords and the number of connections with other thematic cores.

For the case of **Sociology,** the exceled thematic lines (**Table 5**) include topics in common with other disciplines, as violence, armed and social conflict, inequity, discrimination and social/economical gaps in specially protected populations such as women, natives and cultural minorities. Likewise, Colombian scientific production in sociology has focused on the investigative analysis of armed confrontation, sociopolitical issues and the nation's reality in terms of violence. It is stressed a positive approach focused on peace, reconciliation and social change, highlighting

regional experiences and recovery surrounding violence (studies of case). Public policies have also been objects of study, as well as the development of social mobilization and settlement, population and territorial occupation activities, with its respective administrative, social and political implications. There is a notorious emphasis in forced displacement of population.

archaeologic-botany

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**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G5 22 76 5 2.339 0.203 Ecological/environmental sociology

G1 86 318 7 3.055 0.056 Sociopolitical conflict and transition to peace G2 37 157 7 3.002 0.143 Public policies, migration and colonization G3 33 126 6 2.621 0.140 Cultural, gender and ethnic inequity

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

G4 22 86 5 2.566 0.212 Educational sociology

G6 21 81 4 2.150 0.233 Health and environment G7 19 61 4 2.155 0.234 Bio-geography, sociology and

G8 16 50 2 1.633 0.258 Cultural socio-anthropology G9 15 55 4 2.142 0.295 Nativism, culture and health G10 13 58 3 1.716 0.397 Ethno-botany and sociology

**Table 5.** Keywords network analysis in Sociology: thematic groups metric description.

Besides the aforementioned, there is a diversity of themes identified in the sociological study including (a) sociological aspects in education, formation and educative quality, pedagogical exercise, superior education and teaching of sciences, (b) environmental reality, role of the society in the care or degradation of the ecological systems, (c) experiments related to human health, as well as social discourses and practices in terms of environment, (d) revisions of natural and geographic elements of past archeological eras, including the study of plants or investigations about archeology or anthropology, (e) analyses of human activities from a contextual perspective with qualitative approach, (f) studies focused on the analysis of native communities' health in general from an ethnographic perspective and native's activities towards healthcare and protection, (g) analysis of relation between human groups and vegetal environment. The network analysis also allowed to identify that these groups themselves are constituted as sub-units (mostly independent from each other) in the universe of Sociology keywords (**Figure 5**). Among the analyzed groups, only group 1 (*Sociopolitical conflict and transition to peace*) has inter-group relations defined with groups 7 and 10, nevertheless, this connection is given by the usage of the word *Colombia.* Despite the thematic similarity between groups 7 and 10, there is no direct connection detected among their topics. Apparently in Sociology there are defined thematic fields which production or study area is usually sectorized and with low tendency to interact between approaches within the same

discipline.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

**Figure 4.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Education.


b = Mean geodetic distance.

Other relevant contents in Education are: (a) Political vision assessment as a linked factor of educational teaching. The analysis of politics excels from the citizen participation and the state, and also the concept of subject as political subject, (b) ethical analysis focused on teaching, (c) analysis in Colombian history perspectives about violence, (d) the analysis of cognitive skills and individuals' performance in the task execution, (e) especially in decisive strategies for problems or accomplishment of tasks in basic sciences specific areas of formation, (f) the teaching exercise and the role of the teacher. This includes theoretical points and pedagogical approaches of the educational activity, the teacher's performance and skills from a perspective of academic specialization, directing the interest to professional performance areas, (g) welfare of the children, integrating the education with complementarian areas which focus

**Figure 4** graphically shows the suggested groups of keywords analysis for Education. It can be observed that groups 1,2,3 and 7 establish tight transitive connections. Highlighting group 1 (*Technology, basic sciences and didactical fundamentals*) as the most developed component in the educational area in terms of interconnected keywords and the number of connections with

For the case of **Sociology,** the exceled thematic lines (**Table 5**) include topics in common with other disciplines, as violence, armed and social conflict, inequity, discrimination and social/economical gaps in specially protected populations such as women, natives and cultural minorities. Likewise, Colombian scientific production in sociology has focused on the investigative analysis of armed confrontation, sociopolitical issues and the nation's reality in terms of violence. It is stressed a positive approach focused on peace, reconciliation and social change, highlighting

was centered in the attention, care and prosperity of the minors.

**Figure 4.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Education.

other thematic cores.

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**Table 5.** Keywords network analysis in Sociology: thematic groups metric description.

regional experiences and recovery surrounding violence (studies of case). Public policies have also been objects of study, as well as the development of social mobilization and settlement, population and territorial occupation activities, with its respective administrative, social and political implications. There is a notorious emphasis in forced displacement of population.

Besides the aforementioned, there is a diversity of themes identified in the sociological study including (a) sociological aspects in education, formation and educative quality, pedagogical exercise, superior education and teaching of sciences, (b) environmental reality, role of the society in the care or degradation of the ecological systems, (c) experiments related to human health, as well as social discourses and practices in terms of environment, (d) revisions of natural and geographic elements of past archeological eras, including the study of plants or investigations about archeology or anthropology, (e) analyses of human activities from a contextual perspective with qualitative approach, (f) studies focused on the analysis of native communities' health in general from an ethnographic perspective and native's activities towards healthcare and protection, (g) analysis of relation between human groups and vegetal environment. The network analysis also allowed to identify that these groups themselves are constituted as sub-units (mostly independent from each other) in the universe of Sociology keywords (**Figure 5**). Among the analyzed groups, only group 1 (*Sociopolitical conflict and transition to peace*) has inter-group relations defined with groups 7 and 10, nevertheless, this connection is given by the usage of the word *Colombia.* Despite the thematic similarity between groups 7 and 10, there is no direct connection detected among their topics. Apparently in Sociology there are defined thematic fields which production or study area is usually sectorized and with low tendency to interact between approaches within the same discipline.

consequences. This field of study also focus the scientific interest in phenomena associated to electoral activities and the exercise of democracy, including their own diverse issues such as

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In addition, it is noticed an ethical, axiological and psychosocial perspective of the armed conflict and the restoration of the rights of groups and individuals. This thematic field does not ignore the role of the victims or demobilized people from illegal armed groups, addressing affairs related to the recovery status of political subjects-of-rights in the post-conflict.

The politic role in foreign relations is also a relevant topic, such as political, geographical and economical nature issues that constitute risks for the security of nations, assuming also the

Other analytic field is the study of the economic development policies from the public administration including a regional perspective and proposals/reflections of economic development alternatives to the traditional model. Other highlighted topics are military expenses, security policies professionalization and the analysis of the economic development models and approaches. The study of crime is also noted, especially illegal organized activities related to the history of armed confrontation and war financing in Colombia. This group also weights

Armed conflict is without doubt the main topic in Social Sciences. Beside the described perspectives, other approaches direct the interest towards the private sector and institutions that contribute to the economy, in the development of productive processes that tend to contribute with social reintegration, as well as in the negotiations regarding the termination of armed

**Figure 6** shows the distribution of each thematic group with its interrelations. The graph allows to identify an important relation between groups 3 and 8, which emerging topics are indeed related (See **Table 6**), Likewise, group 1 shares bonds with almost all of the other groups, especially because the bonding concept is *Colombia*, being contextualized studies. This group also interacts

conflict in Colombia and the participation of citizen groups in the peace-building.

**Figure 6.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Political Sciences.

partisan conflict, clientelism, electoral volatility, a.o.

national risks based on the internal affairs in Colombia.

the role of the police forces.

**Figure 5.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Sociology.


b = Mean geodetic distance.

**Table 6.** Keywords network analysis in Political Sciences: thematic groups metric description.

The revision of **Political Sciences** is the last-but-one analysis, its thematic lines are varied (**Table 6**). the most important groups are related to Colombian sociopolitical conflict as the main emerging category, also integrating other types of organized violence and its social consequences. This field of study also focus the scientific interest in phenomena associated to electoral activities and the exercise of democracy, including their own diverse issues such as partisan conflict, clientelism, electoral volatility, a.o.

In addition, it is noticed an ethical, axiological and psychosocial perspective of the armed conflict and the restoration of the rights of groups and individuals. This thematic field does not ignore the role of the victims or demobilized people from illegal armed groups, addressing affairs related to the recovery status of political subjects-of-rights in the post-conflict.

The politic role in foreign relations is also a relevant topic, such as political, geographical and economical nature issues that constitute risks for the security of nations, assuming also the national risks based on the internal affairs in Colombia.

Other analytic field is the study of the economic development policies from the public administration including a regional perspective and proposals/reflections of economic development alternatives to the traditional model. Other highlighted topics are military expenses, security policies professionalization and the analysis of the economic development models and approaches. The study of crime is also noted, especially illegal organized activities related to the history of armed confrontation and war financing in Colombia. This group also weights the role of the police forces.

Armed conflict is without doubt the main topic in Social Sciences. Beside the described perspectives, other approaches direct the interest towards the private sector and institutions that contribute to the economy, in the development of productive processes that tend to contribute with social reintegration, as well as in the negotiations regarding the termination of armed conflict in Colombia and the participation of citizen groups in the peace-building.

**Figure 6** shows the distribution of each thematic group with its interrelations. The graph allows to identify an important relation between groups 3 and 8, which emerging topics are indeed related (See **Table 6**), Likewise, group 1 shares bonds with almost all of the other groups, especially because the bonding concept is *Colombia*, being contextualized studies. This group also interacts


The revision of **Political Sciences** is the last-but-one analysis, its thematic lines are varied (**Table 6**). the most important groups are related to Colombian sociopolitical conflict as the main emerging category, also integrating other types of organized violence and its social

**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G1 147 540 6 2.679 0.033 Electoral studies, social violence and organized

G2 81 254 7 3.452 0.048 Socio-economic development policies of nations G3 76 263 8 3.704 0.058 Foreign affairs, national security and politics G4 72 304 7 3.403 0.070 Political philosophy, transitional conflict and

G5 63 208 9 4.204 0.068 Administrative behavior and economic policies G6 42 205 5 2.514 0.134 Conflict-peace transition policies and national

G8 24 84 5 2.413 0.174 Economic systems and military/security financing

G10 22 95 4 2.107 0.234 Productive sector responsibility in post-conflict G11 14 43 4 1.939 0.275 Collective participation in peacebuilding G12 14 51 3 1.847 0.319 Political behavior and participation G13 11 45 3 1.504 0.455 Urbane and environmental public policy

G7 29 103 6 2.966 0.143 Post-conflict and implied actors

G9 24 133 4 2.288 0.261 Crime and role of public force

**Table 6.** Keywords network analysis in Political Sciences: thematic groups metric description.

crime

security

systems

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

**Figure 5.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Sociology.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

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**Figure 6.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Political Sciences.


**Table 7.** Keywords network analysis in Journalism: thematic groups metric description.

closely with groups 3, 5 and 10, by referring a wide spectrum of themes related to conflict, State's economic financing facing the ending of war, victims' recovery and social reintegration.

cinematography. On the other hand, there are social research and representations, as well as

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**Figure 7** represents each one of the main groups descripted and their interaction. The graph shows interaction between most of the thematic groups, although clearly groups 5, 6 and 8 establish subgroups apart from the other terms, which indicates that they are thematic areas less integrated to the traditional lines of journalism in the sample, nevertheless, they are large enough to constitute significant groups of topics. Groups 1, 2 and 3 are connected instead,

The analysis of thematic approaches in Social Sciences using the keywords of productions (article type) contribute with the detection of important conceptual lines, from which is constructed a semantic identification map capable of exposing thematic scenarios and the most common and relevant topics of analysis for different disciplines [19–22]. This is a scientometric exercise that leads to the disintegration of a scientific discipline into main areas and sub-areas of knowledge, which allows to understand the main interests in scientific research at a disciplinary level. Such results are useful because they orientate researchers around methodological paradigms, theoretical movements and focuses of interest for the scientific community, providing tools to decide what guidance to give to contributions, or even which

The social disciplines studied present networks of thematic approaches in which fragmentation is common, having multiple subgroups of terms with moderate levels of relational

This clearly is not a phenomenon exclusive for the social investigation in Colombia, but constitutes a common denominator in the Social Sciences for the breadth of its object of study and even the methodological and theoretical oppositions that occur, sometimes within the same discipline.

the use of images and cinema as object of study from journalism and communication.

which shows the closeness of the topics and interests that they share.

**Figure 7.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Journalism.

areas to reinforce with their own productions.

density and few connections between emerged groups of terms.

**5. Conclusions**

Finally, **Table 7** gathers data related to emerging thematic lines in the area of **Journalism.** The scientific interest in this area is for topics linked to the use of journalism and communications as a social impulse to highlight social minorities; political and sociocultural approaches are articulated to this line. Likewise, associated terms point an approach in the role of media and journalism in communication, information and entertainment, such approach gives relevance to the younger audiences and also emphasizes in the quality of the transmitted information. It is also observed a group of words directed towards formation in journalism.

Other important thematic field is the internet's social networks and their usage with informative ends in front of relevant social/political events, as well as the analysis of the participative ends in the use of web networks and the definition of relations mediated by the technology.

Colombian research in journalism does not ignore the visible reality of this nation, thereof, issues as forced displacement, poverty and security (integrated to the use of communication media) excel as a study topic.

Investigations related to the following topics are also relevant: (a) the role of media (conventional & digital) in the coverage and diffusion of national/regional politic news, (b) television and radio productions and the development of journalism activity. Also headlining the interest in research processes focused in the content and discourses of journalism, and the gaps of information access in the knowledge society, (c) studies related to infancy and childhood, the protection of their rights and the diverse processes that surround their development, (d) the Internet and its properties, this time in relation to the history and how journalism communicates such information.

In journalism, other two thematic lines are accented apart from the interest in social issues, focusing their interest on artistic and esthetic affairs, in one hand, there is research in literary issues, based on the revision of representative authors and works in literature and Identification of Research Thematic Approaches Based on Keywords Network Analysis… http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76834 159

**Figure 7.** Graph of thematic groups with inter-group relations in Journalism.

cinematography. On the other hand, there are social research and representations, as well as the use of images and cinema as object of study from journalism and communication.

**Figure 7** represents each one of the main groups descripted and their interaction. The graph shows interaction between most of the thematic groups, although clearly groups 5, 6 and 8 establish subgroups apart from the other terms, which indicates that they are thematic areas less integrated to the traditional lines of journalism in the sample, nevertheless, they are large enough to constitute significant groups of topics. Groups 1, 2 and 3 are connected instead, which shows the closeness of the topics and interests that they share.

### **5. Conclusions**

closely with groups 3, 5 and 10, by referring a wide spectrum of themes related to conflict, State's

Finally, **Table 7** gathers data related to emerging thematic lines in the area of **Journalism.** The scientific interest in this area is for topics linked to the use of journalism and communications as a social impulse to highlight social minorities; political and sociocultural approaches are articulated to this line. Likewise, associated terms point an approach in the role of media and journalism in communication, information and entertainment, such approach gives relevance to the younger audiences and also emphasizes in the quality of the transmitted information. It

Other important thematic field is the internet's social networks and their usage with informative ends in front of relevant social/political events, as well as the analysis of the participative ends in the use of web networks and the definition of relations mediated by the technology. Colombian research in journalism does not ignore the visible reality of this nation, thereof, issues as forced displacement, poverty and security (integrated to the use of communication

Investigations related to the following topics are also relevant: (a) the role of media (conventional & digital) in the coverage and diffusion of national/regional politic news, (b) television and radio productions and the development of journalism activity. Also headlining the interest in research processes focused in the content and discourses of journalism, and the gaps of information access in the knowledge society, (c) studies related to infancy and childhood, the protection of their rights and the diverse processes that surround their development, (d) the Internet and its properties, this time in relation to the history and how journalism com-

In journalism, other two thematic lines are accented apart from the interest in social issues, focusing their interest on artistic and esthetic affairs, in one hand, there is research in literary issues, based on the revision of representative authors and works in literature and

economic financing facing the ending of war, victims' recovery and social reintegration.

**Group Group metrics Grouped thematic lines (group name)**

G1 54 184 7 3.018 0.080 Journalism, diffusion and social visibility G2 51 193 7 3.155 0.095 RSI, communication and social conflicts

G5 13 43 4 2.178 0.308 Journalism and audiovisual productions G6 12 48 3 1.639 0.394 Journalism and childhood protection

G3 36 122 6 2.617 0.121 Media and political news G4 18 66 6 2.673 0.248 Semiotics, cinema and literature

G7 12 48 3 1.639 0.394 Journalism and history G8 10 25 4 1.780 0.333 Research in cinematography

**Table 7.** Keywords network analysis in Journalism: thematic groups metric description.

**Words Connections MGDa GDμb Density**

is also observed a group of words directed towards formation in journalism.

media) excel as a study topic.

a = Maximum Geodetic Distance. b = Mean geodetic distance.

158 Data Mining

municates such information.

The analysis of thematic approaches in Social Sciences using the keywords of productions (article type) contribute with the detection of important conceptual lines, from which is constructed a semantic identification map capable of exposing thematic scenarios and the most common and relevant topics of analysis for different disciplines [19–22]. This is a scientometric exercise that leads to the disintegration of a scientific discipline into main areas and sub-areas of knowledge, which allows to understand the main interests in scientific research at a disciplinary level. Such results are useful because they orientate researchers around methodological paradigms, theoretical movements and focuses of interest for the scientific community, providing tools to decide what guidance to give to contributions, or even which areas to reinforce with their own productions.

The social disciplines studied present networks of thematic approaches in which fragmentation is common, having multiple subgroups of terms with moderate levels of relational density and few connections between emerged groups of terms.

This clearly is not a phenomenon exclusive for the social investigation in Colombia, but constitutes a common denominator in the Social Sciences for the breadth of its object of study and even the methodological and theoretical oppositions that occur, sometimes within the same discipline.


Social Sciences in Colombia (2006–2015): Analysis of scientific production, co-authorship networks, institutional cooperation and positioning of research groups" code SIGP1800074054754. We also thank our research assistant Laura Rambal Rivaldo for the design of databases and graph drawing.

Identification of Research Thematic Approaches Based on Keywords Network Analysis…

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76834

161

SCIENTI-Col Colombian National System of Science, Technology and Innovation

\*, Ivón Catherine Romero-Pérez2

1 Research and Innovation Management, Corporación Universitaria Reformada,

2 Scientology, Mining and Data Analysis, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla,

3 Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Corporación Universitaria Reformada,

[1] Herrera-González J. La formación de docentes investigadores: el estatuto científico de la investigación pedagógica. Magis, Revista Internacional de Investigación en Educación.

[2] Ho Y. Classic articles on social work field in social science citation index: A bibliometric

analysis. Scientometrics. 2014;**98**:137-155. DOI: 10.1007/s11192-013-1014-8

, Ailed Marenco-Escuderos<sup>3</sup>

**Conflicts of interest**

**Nomenclature**

**Author details**

José Hernando Ávila-Toscano1

Barranquilla, Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

**References**

2010;**3**:53-62

and Eugenio Saavedra Guajardo<sup>4</sup>

The authors do not report conflicts of interest.

DGM maximum geodetic distance

GDμ geodetic distance mean

SNA social networks analysis

4 Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile

\*Address all correspondence to: javila@unireformada.edu.co

**Table 8.** Main keywords identified in Colombian Social Sciences.

It has been described that in recent years, research in Social Sciences has become more international [4]. The increase of quantitative methods and the use of information technology have eased the communication and the comparison of research results with geographically distant colleagues [33]. Nevertheless, collaboration or international source quotations are not sufficient criteria to define the contents from an internationalist trend perspective. Term networks with wide thematic variety emerge in the different social disciplines in Colombia, although they clearly share common interests related to the immediate reality of the nation. They are thematic structures highly focused on the local nature issues and impact over the region, thereof topics as armed conflict between illegal forces and the Colombian State, along with the sequels associated to itself, the violation of women and children's rights, the peacebuilding, and the challenges for human and social development constitute the main themes of all the studied disciplines. **Table 8** gathers the most frequent keywords of the field in general, that is, shared by different disciplines.

As described previously [30, 27], the context has a dominant role over the topics and approaches postulated in the study of Social Sciences. The social scientist places among his objectives the knowledge development capable of translating or changing the experienced reality, thereof that the thematic cores identified in Colombian Social Sciences are closely related to the main social, political and economic issues experienced by the nation.

Considering the dynamic character of the knowledge networks, it can be inferred that future research lines focus on the associated processes to the construction of a post-conflict society, this in accordance with the construction of peace processes between the Colombian State and the illegal armed actors.
