Standards of research publication: Differences between the physical sciences and the social sciences

This study examines differences in standards of research publications between the physical sciences and the social sciences. The results of the first two hypotheses tested indicate that the predominant form of publication in the physical sciences are articles, whereas books predominate in the social sciences. Furthermore, differences were found in the relevant dimension of publication between faculties in more prestigious departments and faculties in less prestigious departments. The policy implications of these findings to university administration are discussed.