Abstract
This article applies bibliometric analysis to four flagship mass communication journals published between 1924 and 1985, mapping patterns of scholarly productivity across the discipline. A longitudinal database of journal citations is used to rank prolific authors, reveal journal preferences, and calculate average publication frequency. Findings show that Journalism Quarterly dominates the publication landscape, while most researchers publish only one or two articles over an entire career. The discussion interprets these results within debates on research evaluation, tenure, promotion, and department accreditation, suggesting that publication counts can serve as a yardstick for academic assessment when balanced with teaching and service criteria. Recommendations urge extended studies across additional outlets and updated citation indices, positioning bibliometric evidence as a valuable resource for communication administrators and faculty committees seeking transparent evaluation standards.
Erratum (printed in the ACA Bulletin number 77): The article was originally attributed solely to Mark Hickson III; the correct authorship is Randall K. Scott and Mark Hickson III, with thanks to research assistant Lisa Crane.
Recommended Citation
Scott, Randall K. and Hickson, Mark III
(1991)
"Prolific Scholarship in Mass Communication: 1924-1985,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 75, Article 14.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol75/iss1/14
