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Volume 37, Issue 3 (2022)
GeoRes 2022, 37(3): 449-458 |
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Received: 2022/01/29 | Accepted: 2022/05/16 | Published: 2022/07/1
Received: 2022/01/29 | Accepted: 2022/05/16 | Published: 2022/07/1
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Zangiabadi A, Rezaiee Adryani S. The Ten-Year Performance of Geographical Researches Journal. GeoRes 2022; 37 (3) :449-458
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A. Zangiabadi *1, S. Rezaiee Adryani1
1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographic Sciences & Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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Introduction
Journals are among the most fundamental media for the dissemination of knowledge at the scientific research level and have attracted considerable attention in international academic communities. Innovations, discoveries, and novel findings can be identified within these specialized information platforms, which have become increasingly domain-specific over time [Mohammadi et al., 2015]. Today, in order to disseminate the results of their research rapidly and in an up-to-date manner, researchers publish their findings in the form of journal articles [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011]. Scientific–research journals are of great importance due to their publishable format and ease of use for audiences [Asgari et al., 2014]. Undoubtedly, the existence of information databases such as journals that provide open and free online access to their articles can play a significant role in scientific advancement and development [Bashiri & Khorasani, 2017]. Accordingly, scientific journals are considered one of the key processes of knowledge exchange [Azimzadeh et al., 2017]. For this reason, evaluating their performance is essential, as the analysis of scientific output in each field enables strategic planning for research policies, assessment and monitoring of progress, improvement of research quality, and ultimately enrichment of scientific knowledge [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011; Allahyari et al., 2015].
The evaluation of scientific outputs of universities, academic groups, and research organizations is not a new issue; however, with the advancement of knowledge, the rapid growth of scientific production, and increased competition in this domain, it has become one of the most challenging topics and an undeniable necessity [Franceschini & Maisano, 2011]. Bibliometric studies of scientific journal articles consistently provide valuable and informative results regarding the current status of research, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of articles, the value and credibility of journals, and directions for future research [Mohammadi et al., 2015].
Given the role and importance of scientific journals in the production and dissemination of knowledge, they must be subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation. For this purpose, content analysis and citation analysis methods can be employed [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011]. Content analysis is a process that transforms qualitative characteristics into quantitative measures and subsequently reconverts these quantities into qualitative interpretations. This method is widely used in trend studies, integrative research, the examination of representations of reality, and the assessment of the conformity of programs with structural and content-related characteristics [Ghaedi & Golshani, 2016]. Content analysis is regarded as a research method aimed at obtaining replicable and valid inferences from textual data for the purpose of representing facts, generating new knowledge and insights, and providing practical guidance for action [Krippendorff, 2012].
One of the earliest and most widely cited definitions of quantitative content analysis was proposed by Berelson, who described it as the objective (independent of the researcher’s subjective interpretation) and systematic (based on predefined and quantitative statistical rules) description of the manifest characteristics of a message, such as text or words. Similarly, Kerlinger defined content analysis as a systematic, objective, and quantitative method for measuring and analyzing parameters [Iman & Noshadi, 2011].
Laurence Bardin, in her book Content Analysis, states that content analysis is essentially an objective, systematic, and quantitative research technique for interpreting and analyzing content. The fundamental idea of content analysis lies in classifying the components of a text, such as words, sentences, and paragraphs into predefined categories based on selected units of analysis. Krippendorff, in his work Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology, presents a framework for this method consisting of three functions: prescriptive, analytical, and methodological [Krippendorff, 2012].
Glaser and Strauss attribute the coinage of the term “content analysis” to Linda Smith in 1931; nevertheless, the term entered Webster’s English Dictionary in 1961. However, its historical roots can be traced back to the early conscious use of symbols and language by humans [Adib Haj Bagheri et al., 2016]. This method was first employed in the nineteenth century to analyze hymns, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and political speeches [Harwood & Garry, 2003].
In Iran, content analysis has been used in press analysis since approximately the 1970s, and in subsequent years its application expanded through academic theses and research projects. Numerous studies have been conducted on the content analysis of articles published in scientific–research journals, and many journals have undertaken such evaluations to assess their own status [Bashiri & Khorasani, 2017]. Content analysis is a summarizing and quantitative analysis of messages grounded in the scientific method [Neuendorf, 2016]. In its simplest form, it involves extracting research-relevant concepts from the text under study and organizing them into systematic categories [Tabrizi, 2014]. Content analysis is generally conducted using two main approaches: quantitative and qualitative [Momeni Rad, 2013].
The Geographical Research Quarterly is one of the scientific–research journals that has shown a growing trend in recent years and has made a notable contribution to knowledge production. Therefore, examining and evaluating the performance of this journal can be effective in identifying and addressing its shortcomings and deficiencies. An analysis of the articles published in this journal reveals the system governing the flow of information exchange. Moreover, it enables strategic planning for research activities and research policies [Mirtaghian Roudsari & Khorasani, 2019]. The content analysis of the Geographical Research Quarterly is important for two main reasons. First, the journal has a long publication history, and evaluating its performance facilitates the identification of strengths and weaknesses and contributes to its qualitative development. Second, prior to the present study, similar research has been conducted on this journal, and the current article serves to complement and extend those studies.
Accordingly, the objectives of the present study include examining the role of this quarterly journal in knowledge production within the field of geography; analyzing the characteristics of articles, authors, and the representation of various geographical sub-disciplines; assessing the level of participation and the spatial scope of the studies in the quantitative section; and conducting qualitative analyses of article content using content analysis techniques and methods.
Based on these objectives, the research questions can be summarized as follows:
Jalali, in an article entitled “A Decade of Effort and Endeavor through Ups and Downs,” examined the journal from 1986 to 1996, covering a total of 39 issues, and concluded that over this period the journal developed a solid and coherent framework [Jalali, 1996]. Mehrshahi, in a study titles “An Analytical Review of the Development of Writing Structure in Articles of the Geographical Research Quarterly (1986–2002),” analyzes the writing structure of articles in the first five issues and issues 58 to 64 of the journal. The findings indicate that the early issues exhibited structural weaknesses and lacked a clear scientific methodology, whereas over time the later issues demonstrate greater coherence, organization, and a more scientific mode of presentation [Mehrshahi, 2003]. Zangiabadi and Soltani, in a study entitled “Spatial Analysis of the Geographical Research Quarterly (from Inception to Present),” examine issues 1 to 95 of the journal from 1986 to 2009 in terms of spatial and temporal distribution and thematic orientations. They conclude that there is limited balance among different geographical sub-disciplines and an uneven spatial distribution with respect to scientific centers across the country [Zangiabadi & Soltani, 2009]. Habibolahian, in a study titled “A Quarter Century of Iranian Geography through the Lens of the Geographical Research Quarterly,” analyzes articles published in issues 1 to 100 between 1986 and 2011. The results show a declining trend in the average number of articles per issue, a predominance of authored articles, and a concentration of publications in human geography (48.9%). Additionally, the proportion of multi-authored articles have increased in recent periods [Habibolahian, 2011].
Finally, Berdi Annamoradnejad, in a study entitled “Meta-analysis of Scientific–Research Articles in Iranian Geography Journals (2009–2013),” examines 596 articles published in three journals including Geography and Development, Geographical Research, and Geographical Space. Using a meta-analytical approach, the study finds a continuous and increasing trend in article publication due to editorial efforts, a dominant positivist orientation with limited theoretical studies, a concentration on climatology topics, a predominance of documentary research methods, pronounced spatial inequality in geographical research, and a lack of new theoretical contributions. Owing to the substantial similarities among the journals across ten indicators, the findings are generalized to other geography journals in Iran [Berdi Annamoradnejad, 2016].
Methodology
This study is applied research in terms of its objective and employs content analysis as its primary methodological approach. Content analysis is a research technique used for the objective, systematic, and quantitative description of the content of articles. The study population consists of all articles published in the Geographical Research Quarterly during the period 2010–2020, totaling 500 articles.
Data were collected using a checklist that included the following components: article subject, year of submission, time elapsed to obtain acceptance, time elapsed from acceptance to publication, number of authors, techniques and software used for data preparation and processing, number of figures and maps included in the articles, and the spatial distribution of both the study areas and the locations from which the articles were submitted. Given that all published articles within the specified period were examined, a census sampling method was employed.
To collect the required information and complete the checklist, all submitted articles were reviewed and examined in detail, and the necessary data were extracted to construct the research database. Finally, data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in SPSS 26 and Microsoft Excel, spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS, and quantitative content analysis of the keywords used in articles across different geographical subfields was carried out using MAXQDA.
Findings
The primary mission of scientific journals is to promote and disseminate science and its achievements. The Journal of Geographical Research began publication in 1986 as the first private, scientific–research geographical journal in Iran. Since its inception, it has published more than one thousand articles presenting valuable scientific contributions by researchers and specialists, and has progressively advanced to a level comparable with internationally recognized journals. This has been achieved despite the fact that the journal has not benefited from any form of governmental financial support or facilities.
The journal was established with the aim of producing and disseminating knowledge related to various branches and subfields of geography and related disciplines, facilitating the exchange of scientific and research findings among specialists and academic and research institutions inside and outside the country, and contributing to the development of geographical thought and philosophical and ideological discussions related to development (economic, social, and cultural). Its objectives also include expanding scientific research methods (basic, developmental, and applied), assisting in problem identification and problem solving related to cultural, social, and economic development constraints, presenting innovative ideas to address national scientific and research needs in geographical sciences, providing information in specialized research fields of geography, and introducing and honoring senior scholars, elites, and outstanding students in different geographical subfields such as urban and rural planning, political geography, physical geography, and economic geography. Accordingly, the journal publishes various types of manuscripts, including original research articles, theoretical research, qualitative research, descriptive and survey studies, analytical review papers, and letters to the editor.
The editorial board of the Journal of Geographical Research includes the journal owner and managing director, Professor Mohammad Hossein Papoli Yazdi, Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, and the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Fatemeh Vosoughi, Associate Professor at Islamic Azad University of Mashhad.
The journal was published on a quarterly basis from Issue 1 to Issue 48. This publication pattern changed from Issues 49–50 to 65–66, during which the journal was occasionally published biannually. From Issue 67 to Issue 100, it again returned to a quarterly publication schedule. In the present study, articles published from Issue 98 to Issue 139 were examined.
All research studies can be classified, in terms of purpose, into two categories: basic and applied. This classification was used to evaluate the articles published in the journal. Accordingly, 454 articles (90%) were categorized as applied research and 46 articles (10%) as basic research, which clearly reflects the journal’s applied orientation and its field of activity. The applied nature of these studies indicates that researchers primarily focused on the practical application of theories, adopted cross-sectional approaches, and emphasized immediate problem-solving, without paying sufficient attention to antecedents and consequences of the problems or the long-term implications of the proposed solutions. Most studies conducted by geographers and graduate students were related to quantitative and statistical geography. Engagement with complex topics of quantitative geography has become a challenge facing Iranian geography today. Although the quantitative geography paradigm was highly influential in certain periods of contemporary history, particularly in Europe from the late 1960s to the early 1970s current trends in reputable Western scientific journals indicate a shift away from quantitative geography toward theory-driven geography and deeper reflection on the underlying social issues.
In the next step, the articles were broadly classified into three main branches: human geography, physical geography, and geographic information systems and remote sensing. The largest share belonged to human geography (53%), while the smallest share was related to remote sensing and GIS (1%).
The distribution of the academic disciplines and specializations of authors publishing in the journal reflects a relatively balanced representation of fields related to geographical sciences. The highest share was associated with urban geography, climatology, and meteorology, whereas the lowest proportion was related to agriculture. Nevertheless, when all subfields of geography—urban, rural, physical, and political—are considered together, geography as a whole accounts for a substantial share of contributions.
One of the key parameters influencing authors’ choice of a journal is the duration of the review and acceptance process. On average, approximately 5.06 months were required to obtain acceptance in this journal. The longest recorded duration was 19 months, while the shortest was less than one month. Over time, the review duration exhibited a decreasing trend, reaching an average of two months by 2020. This reduction in review time represents a significant achievement for the journal.
Ideally, after acceptance, an article should be published in the forthcoming issue; however, due to the high volume of submissions, publication may occasionally be delayed. The highest frequency was observed for articles published without delay in the next issue, indicating that most accepted articles were published within one to three months. Compared with many other journals, this reflects a favorable publication performance. Furthermore, a clear downward trend was observed in the time elapsed between acceptance and publication over the study period, which is considered a positive characteristic of the journal.
Regarding the number of authors, the highest frequency corresponded to articles written by two authors, accounting for 166 out of 500 articles. The average length of articles was 16.83 pages. The most frequent article length was 18 pages, while the shortest article comprised 7 pages and the longest extended to 52 pages.
In terms of the use of visual elements to convey content, articles in climatology and meteorology made the greatest use of charts, whereas articles of a more basic research nature made the least use. On average, articles included 3.56 charts. A total of 125 articles contained no charts, while the maximum number of charts in a single article was 55.
The average number of maps used per article was 5.09. A total of 86 articles did not include any maps. The most common number of maps was one per article, while the maximum observed was 70 maps in a single article.
On average, 28.62 references were used per article. The minimum number of references in an article was five, and the maximum was 154. The highest frequency corresponded to articles that cited 27 references.
Articles were also examined in terms of data collection techniques, analytical methods, and software used. Quantitative models constituted the most frequently used technique, followed by survey methods, statistical analysis, library and documentary research, GIS-based techniques, and index construction. Other methods included hierarchical analysis, statistical tests, clustering, field surveys, correlation and regression analysis, factor analysis, SWOT analysis, qualitative analysis, neural networks, remote sensing techniques, and the Delphi technique.
Out of the 500 submitted articles, 21 did not specify a particular study area and were of a general nature. A total of 470 articles focused on study areas within Iran, while nine examined areas outside the country. In 195 articles, the study area corresponded to the province or city from which the article was submitted, whereas in 305 cases there was no correspondence between the study area and the authors’ place of submission. Isfahan Province emerged as the most active scientific center in terms of article submissions, while Tehran Province was the most frequently studied region in recent years.
In the final section, a quantitative content analysis of the submitted articles was conducted based on the keywords used across different disciplines. In content analysis, researchers primarily seek to transform data into main and subcategories and to identify relationships among them. The results were obtained through analysis in MAXQDA software, based on counting the frequency of keyword usage and identifying the most frequently used terms. The findings demonstrate clear thematic patterns within each disciplinary field.
One notable result of the present study is that Isfahan Province was the most active scientific center in terms of article submissions to the journal. Given that the journal was published by the University of Isfahan from 2006 to 2015, the question arises as to whether this high level of activity was specific to that period. An examination of articles published during and after this period indicates that of the 254 articles published between 2010 and 2015, 84 articles (33.07%) were affiliated with Isfahan Province. In contrast, during the period from 2016 to 2020, when the journal was published privately in Mashhad, only 30 out of 251 articles (11.95%) were affiliated with the University of Isfahan, reflecting a significant decline.
The findings also indicate that during the period when the journal was published by the University of Isfahan, there was a higher share of basic research articles and a stronger focus on human geography. In contrast, during the period of private publication, articles related to physical geography accounted for a larger share. The review duration was longer during the University of Isfahan period, as was the time elapsed between acceptance and publication. In both periods, however, most articles were published within a relatively short timeframe after acceptance. There were no substantial differences in the number of authors per article between the two periods, although articles published during the private publication period tended to be longer. With respect to the number of charts and maps, relative parity was observed between the two periods.
Discussion
The quantity and quality of scientific articles and journals published in a country are considered key indicators of that country’s development and scientific credibility at the international level. The Journal of Geographical Research is one of the reputable journals in the field of geography and plays a significant role in promoting this discipline. The present study analyzed the content of articles published in this journal from 2010 to 2020.
Regarding the type of submitted articles based on purpose, 90% were applied research and 10% were basic research. In terms of subject areas, 52% of articles belonged to human geography, 46% to physical geography, and only 2% to remote sensing, reflecting an imbalance in the coverage of topics. These findings are consistent with the studies of Berdi Annamoradnejad (2016), Habibolahian (2011), and Zangiabadi & Soltani (2009).
Researchers from various geography subfields contributed the majority of submissions; however, other related disciplines, such as urban planning, architecture, and natural resources, were also represented in the journal. The average time required to obtain acceptance for an article was approximately 5.06 months, showing a noticeable decreasing trend in recent years.
Regarding the time elapsed from acceptance to publication, the majority of articles were published immediately in the current issue, accounting for approximately 35% of all articles. This is important for ensuring the timely dissemination of scientific information. Among submitted articles, 33% were authored by two researchers, representing the highest frequency. The average length of published articles was 16.83 pages.
Analysis of the use of charts and maps revealed that the average number of charts per article was 3.56, although the most frequent category was articles without any charts (125 articles). The average number of maps used per article was 5.09, with 89 articles including only one map. The highest use of charts and maps was observed in climatology and meteorology articles. Given the role of these elements in conveying content, greater emphasis should be placed on their use to summarize information and facilitate communication.
Regarding references, the average number of sources per article was 28.62, with the most common number being 27 sources (24 articles).
In terms of techniques used for data collection and analysis, quantitative models were the most common, followed by surveys. SPSS and GIS were the most frequently used software programs. The use of diverse methods and newer analytical tools can contribute to the advancement of this branch of science.
With respect to study areas, Tehran Province accounted for the largest number of research studies, while Isfahan Province was the most active in terms of scientific output and article submissions. Considering the number of graduate students in each province, the highest scientific activity was observed in Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Ardabil, Zanjan, and Kurdistan provinces. The most frequently studied provinces were Ardabil, Kermanshah, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed:
Conclusion
The articles published in the Journal of Geographical Research are predominantly applied in nature and focus on the fields of human and physical geography. Researchers from various geography subfields have actively contributed to the journal. The reduced time required for article acceptance and the rapid publication of accepted articles are positive aspects for the journal. Most published articles have a small number of authors (2 to 3), which may indicate limited collaborative and group-based research activities. Additionally, the majority of articles lack maps and charts.
Acknowledgments: None reported.
Ethical Permission: Not applicable.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Author Contributions: Zangiabadi A (first author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist/Main Researcher (50%); Rezaiee Adryani S (second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (50%)
Funding: None reported.
Journals are among the most fundamental media for the dissemination of knowledge at the scientific research level and have attracted considerable attention in international academic communities. Innovations, discoveries, and novel findings can be identified within these specialized information platforms, which have become increasingly domain-specific over time [Mohammadi et al., 2015]. Today, in order to disseminate the results of their research rapidly and in an up-to-date manner, researchers publish their findings in the form of journal articles [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011]. Scientific–research journals are of great importance due to their publishable format and ease of use for audiences [Asgari et al., 2014]. Undoubtedly, the existence of information databases such as journals that provide open and free online access to their articles can play a significant role in scientific advancement and development [Bashiri & Khorasani, 2017]. Accordingly, scientific journals are considered one of the key processes of knowledge exchange [Azimzadeh et al., 2017]. For this reason, evaluating their performance is essential, as the analysis of scientific output in each field enables strategic planning for research policies, assessment and monitoring of progress, improvement of research quality, and ultimately enrichment of scientific knowledge [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011; Allahyari et al., 2015].
The evaluation of scientific outputs of universities, academic groups, and research organizations is not a new issue; however, with the advancement of knowledge, the rapid growth of scientific production, and increased competition in this domain, it has become one of the most challenging topics and an undeniable necessity [Franceschini & Maisano, 2011]. Bibliometric studies of scientific journal articles consistently provide valuable and informative results regarding the current status of research, the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of articles, the value and credibility of journals, and directions for future research [Mohammadi et al., 2015].
Given the role and importance of scientific journals in the production and dissemination of knowledge, they must be subjected to rigorous scientific evaluation. For this purpose, content analysis and citation analysis methods can be employed [Ghahnaviyeh et al., 2011]. Content analysis is a process that transforms qualitative characteristics into quantitative measures and subsequently reconverts these quantities into qualitative interpretations. This method is widely used in trend studies, integrative research, the examination of representations of reality, and the assessment of the conformity of programs with structural and content-related characteristics [Ghaedi & Golshani, 2016]. Content analysis is regarded as a research method aimed at obtaining replicable and valid inferences from textual data for the purpose of representing facts, generating new knowledge and insights, and providing practical guidance for action [Krippendorff, 2012].
One of the earliest and most widely cited definitions of quantitative content analysis was proposed by Berelson, who described it as the objective (independent of the researcher’s subjective interpretation) and systematic (based on predefined and quantitative statistical rules) description of the manifest characteristics of a message, such as text or words. Similarly, Kerlinger defined content analysis as a systematic, objective, and quantitative method for measuring and analyzing parameters [Iman & Noshadi, 2011].
Laurence Bardin, in her book Content Analysis, states that content analysis is essentially an objective, systematic, and quantitative research technique for interpreting and analyzing content. The fundamental idea of content analysis lies in classifying the components of a text, such as words, sentences, and paragraphs into predefined categories based on selected units of analysis. Krippendorff, in his work Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology, presents a framework for this method consisting of three functions: prescriptive, analytical, and methodological [Krippendorff, 2012].
Glaser and Strauss attribute the coinage of the term “content analysis” to Linda Smith in 1931; nevertheless, the term entered Webster’s English Dictionary in 1961. However, its historical roots can be traced back to the early conscious use of symbols and language by humans [Adib Haj Bagheri et al., 2016]. This method was first employed in the nineteenth century to analyze hymns, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and political speeches [Harwood & Garry, 2003].
In Iran, content analysis has been used in press analysis since approximately the 1970s, and in subsequent years its application expanded through academic theses and research projects. Numerous studies have been conducted on the content analysis of articles published in scientific–research journals, and many journals have undertaken such evaluations to assess their own status [Bashiri & Khorasani, 2017]. Content analysis is a summarizing and quantitative analysis of messages grounded in the scientific method [Neuendorf, 2016]. In its simplest form, it involves extracting research-relevant concepts from the text under study and organizing them into systematic categories [Tabrizi, 2014]. Content analysis is generally conducted using two main approaches: quantitative and qualitative [Momeni Rad, 2013].
The Geographical Research Quarterly is one of the scientific–research journals that has shown a growing trend in recent years and has made a notable contribution to knowledge production. Therefore, examining and evaluating the performance of this journal can be effective in identifying and addressing its shortcomings and deficiencies. An analysis of the articles published in this journal reveals the system governing the flow of information exchange. Moreover, it enables strategic planning for research activities and research policies [Mirtaghian Roudsari & Khorasani, 2019]. The content analysis of the Geographical Research Quarterly is important for two main reasons. First, the journal has a long publication history, and evaluating its performance facilitates the identification of strengths and weaknesses and contributes to its qualitative development. Second, prior to the present study, similar research has been conducted on this journal, and the current article serves to complement and extend those studies.
Accordingly, the objectives of the present study include examining the role of this quarterly journal in knowledge production within the field of geography; analyzing the characteristics of articles, authors, and the representation of various geographical sub-disciplines; assessing the level of participation and the spatial scope of the studies in the quantitative section; and conducting qualitative analyses of article content using content analysis techniques and methods.
Based on these objectives, the research questions can be summarized as follows:
- Article-related questions: What are the scientific orientations of the articles? What is the quantitative and qualitative status of the articles in terms of number of references, number of pages, and number of maps and figures? Which provinces are most frequently represented as study areas, and which provinces are most active in submitting articles?
- Author-related questions: How many authors are involved? What are the academic disciplines of the contributors? What are the organizational and institutional affiliations of the authors?
- Journal-related questions: What has been the trend in the time required for article acceptance and publication across different years?
Jalali, in an article entitled “A Decade of Effort and Endeavor through Ups and Downs,” examined the journal from 1986 to 1996, covering a total of 39 issues, and concluded that over this period the journal developed a solid and coherent framework [Jalali, 1996]. Mehrshahi, in a study titles “An Analytical Review of the Development of Writing Structure in Articles of the Geographical Research Quarterly (1986–2002),” analyzes the writing structure of articles in the first five issues and issues 58 to 64 of the journal. The findings indicate that the early issues exhibited structural weaknesses and lacked a clear scientific methodology, whereas over time the later issues demonstrate greater coherence, organization, and a more scientific mode of presentation [Mehrshahi, 2003]. Zangiabadi and Soltani, in a study entitled “Spatial Analysis of the Geographical Research Quarterly (from Inception to Present),” examine issues 1 to 95 of the journal from 1986 to 2009 in terms of spatial and temporal distribution and thematic orientations. They conclude that there is limited balance among different geographical sub-disciplines and an uneven spatial distribution with respect to scientific centers across the country [Zangiabadi & Soltani, 2009]. Habibolahian, in a study titled “A Quarter Century of Iranian Geography through the Lens of the Geographical Research Quarterly,” analyzes articles published in issues 1 to 100 between 1986 and 2011. The results show a declining trend in the average number of articles per issue, a predominance of authored articles, and a concentration of publications in human geography (48.9%). Additionally, the proportion of multi-authored articles have increased in recent periods [Habibolahian, 2011].
Finally, Berdi Annamoradnejad, in a study entitled “Meta-analysis of Scientific–Research Articles in Iranian Geography Journals (2009–2013),” examines 596 articles published in three journals including Geography and Development, Geographical Research, and Geographical Space. Using a meta-analytical approach, the study finds a continuous and increasing trend in article publication due to editorial efforts, a dominant positivist orientation with limited theoretical studies, a concentration on climatology topics, a predominance of documentary research methods, pronounced spatial inequality in geographical research, and a lack of new theoretical contributions. Owing to the substantial similarities among the journals across ten indicators, the findings are generalized to other geography journals in Iran [Berdi Annamoradnejad, 2016].
Methodology
This study is applied research in terms of its objective and employs content analysis as its primary methodological approach. Content analysis is a research technique used for the objective, systematic, and quantitative description of the content of articles. The study population consists of all articles published in the Geographical Research Quarterly during the period 2010–2020, totaling 500 articles.
Data were collected using a checklist that included the following components: article subject, year of submission, time elapsed to obtain acceptance, time elapsed from acceptance to publication, number of authors, techniques and software used for data preparation and processing, number of figures and maps included in the articles, and the spatial distribution of both the study areas and the locations from which the articles were submitted. Given that all published articles within the specified period were examined, a census sampling method was employed.
To collect the required information and complete the checklist, all submitted articles were reviewed and examined in detail, and the necessary data were extracted to construct the research database. Finally, data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in SPSS 26 and Microsoft Excel, spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS, and quantitative content analysis of the keywords used in articles across different geographical subfields was carried out using MAXQDA.
Findings
The primary mission of scientific journals is to promote and disseminate science and its achievements. The Journal of Geographical Research began publication in 1986 as the first private, scientific–research geographical journal in Iran. Since its inception, it has published more than one thousand articles presenting valuable scientific contributions by researchers and specialists, and has progressively advanced to a level comparable with internationally recognized journals. This has been achieved despite the fact that the journal has not benefited from any form of governmental financial support or facilities.
The journal was established with the aim of producing and disseminating knowledge related to various branches and subfields of geography and related disciplines, facilitating the exchange of scientific and research findings among specialists and academic and research institutions inside and outside the country, and contributing to the development of geographical thought and philosophical and ideological discussions related to development (economic, social, and cultural). Its objectives also include expanding scientific research methods (basic, developmental, and applied), assisting in problem identification and problem solving related to cultural, social, and economic development constraints, presenting innovative ideas to address national scientific and research needs in geographical sciences, providing information in specialized research fields of geography, and introducing and honoring senior scholars, elites, and outstanding students in different geographical subfields such as urban and rural planning, political geography, physical geography, and economic geography. Accordingly, the journal publishes various types of manuscripts, including original research articles, theoretical research, qualitative research, descriptive and survey studies, analytical review papers, and letters to the editor.
The editorial board of the Journal of Geographical Research includes the journal owner and managing director, Professor Mohammad Hossein Papoli Yazdi, Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, and the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Fatemeh Vosoughi, Associate Professor at Islamic Azad University of Mashhad.
The journal was published on a quarterly basis from Issue 1 to Issue 48. This publication pattern changed from Issues 49–50 to 65–66, during which the journal was occasionally published biannually. From Issue 67 to Issue 100, it again returned to a quarterly publication schedule. In the present study, articles published from Issue 98 to Issue 139 were examined.
All research studies can be classified, in terms of purpose, into two categories: basic and applied. This classification was used to evaluate the articles published in the journal. Accordingly, 454 articles (90%) were categorized as applied research and 46 articles (10%) as basic research, which clearly reflects the journal’s applied orientation and its field of activity. The applied nature of these studies indicates that researchers primarily focused on the practical application of theories, adopted cross-sectional approaches, and emphasized immediate problem-solving, without paying sufficient attention to antecedents and consequences of the problems or the long-term implications of the proposed solutions. Most studies conducted by geographers and graduate students were related to quantitative and statistical geography. Engagement with complex topics of quantitative geography has become a challenge facing Iranian geography today. Although the quantitative geography paradigm was highly influential in certain periods of contemporary history, particularly in Europe from the late 1960s to the early 1970s current trends in reputable Western scientific journals indicate a shift away from quantitative geography toward theory-driven geography and deeper reflection on the underlying social issues.
In the next step, the articles were broadly classified into three main branches: human geography, physical geography, and geographic information systems and remote sensing. The largest share belonged to human geography (53%), while the smallest share was related to remote sensing and GIS (1%).
The distribution of the academic disciplines and specializations of authors publishing in the journal reflects a relatively balanced representation of fields related to geographical sciences. The highest share was associated with urban geography, climatology, and meteorology, whereas the lowest proportion was related to agriculture. Nevertheless, when all subfields of geography—urban, rural, physical, and political—are considered together, geography as a whole accounts for a substantial share of contributions.
One of the key parameters influencing authors’ choice of a journal is the duration of the review and acceptance process. On average, approximately 5.06 months were required to obtain acceptance in this journal. The longest recorded duration was 19 months, while the shortest was less than one month. Over time, the review duration exhibited a decreasing trend, reaching an average of two months by 2020. This reduction in review time represents a significant achievement for the journal.
Ideally, after acceptance, an article should be published in the forthcoming issue; however, due to the high volume of submissions, publication may occasionally be delayed. The highest frequency was observed for articles published without delay in the next issue, indicating that most accepted articles were published within one to three months. Compared with many other journals, this reflects a favorable publication performance. Furthermore, a clear downward trend was observed in the time elapsed between acceptance and publication over the study period, which is considered a positive characteristic of the journal.
Regarding the number of authors, the highest frequency corresponded to articles written by two authors, accounting for 166 out of 500 articles. The average length of articles was 16.83 pages. The most frequent article length was 18 pages, while the shortest article comprised 7 pages and the longest extended to 52 pages.
In terms of the use of visual elements to convey content, articles in climatology and meteorology made the greatest use of charts, whereas articles of a more basic research nature made the least use. On average, articles included 3.56 charts. A total of 125 articles contained no charts, while the maximum number of charts in a single article was 55.
The average number of maps used per article was 5.09. A total of 86 articles did not include any maps. The most common number of maps was one per article, while the maximum observed was 70 maps in a single article.
On average, 28.62 references were used per article. The minimum number of references in an article was five, and the maximum was 154. The highest frequency corresponded to articles that cited 27 references.
Articles were also examined in terms of data collection techniques, analytical methods, and software used. Quantitative models constituted the most frequently used technique, followed by survey methods, statistical analysis, library and documentary research, GIS-based techniques, and index construction. Other methods included hierarchical analysis, statistical tests, clustering, field surveys, correlation and regression analysis, factor analysis, SWOT analysis, qualitative analysis, neural networks, remote sensing techniques, and the Delphi technique.
Out of the 500 submitted articles, 21 did not specify a particular study area and were of a general nature. A total of 470 articles focused on study areas within Iran, while nine examined areas outside the country. In 195 articles, the study area corresponded to the province or city from which the article was submitted, whereas in 305 cases there was no correspondence between the study area and the authors’ place of submission. Isfahan Province emerged as the most active scientific center in terms of article submissions, while Tehran Province was the most frequently studied region in recent years.
In the final section, a quantitative content analysis of the submitted articles was conducted based on the keywords used across different disciplines. In content analysis, researchers primarily seek to transform data into main and subcategories and to identify relationships among them. The results were obtained through analysis in MAXQDA software, based on counting the frequency of keyword usage and identifying the most frequently used terms. The findings demonstrate clear thematic patterns within each disciplinary field.
One notable result of the present study is that Isfahan Province was the most active scientific center in terms of article submissions to the journal. Given that the journal was published by the University of Isfahan from 2006 to 2015, the question arises as to whether this high level of activity was specific to that period. An examination of articles published during and after this period indicates that of the 254 articles published between 2010 and 2015, 84 articles (33.07%) were affiliated with Isfahan Province. In contrast, during the period from 2016 to 2020, when the journal was published privately in Mashhad, only 30 out of 251 articles (11.95%) were affiliated with the University of Isfahan, reflecting a significant decline.
The findings also indicate that during the period when the journal was published by the University of Isfahan, there was a higher share of basic research articles and a stronger focus on human geography. In contrast, during the period of private publication, articles related to physical geography accounted for a larger share. The review duration was longer during the University of Isfahan period, as was the time elapsed between acceptance and publication. In both periods, however, most articles were published within a relatively short timeframe after acceptance. There were no substantial differences in the number of authors per article between the two periods, although articles published during the private publication period tended to be longer. With respect to the number of charts and maps, relative parity was observed between the two periods.
Discussion
The quantity and quality of scientific articles and journals published in a country are considered key indicators of that country’s development and scientific credibility at the international level. The Journal of Geographical Research is one of the reputable journals in the field of geography and plays a significant role in promoting this discipline. The present study analyzed the content of articles published in this journal from 2010 to 2020.
Regarding the type of submitted articles based on purpose, 90% were applied research and 10% were basic research. In terms of subject areas, 52% of articles belonged to human geography, 46% to physical geography, and only 2% to remote sensing, reflecting an imbalance in the coverage of topics. These findings are consistent with the studies of Berdi Annamoradnejad (2016), Habibolahian (2011), and Zangiabadi & Soltani (2009).
Researchers from various geography subfields contributed the majority of submissions; however, other related disciplines, such as urban planning, architecture, and natural resources, were also represented in the journal. The average time required to obtain acceptance for an article was approximately 5.06 months, showing a noticeable decreasing trend in recent years.
Regarding the time elapsed from acceptance to publication, the majority of articles were published immediately in the current issue, accounting for approximately 35% of all articles. This is important for ensuring the timely dissemination of scientific information. Among submitted articles, 33% were authored by two researchers, representing the highest frequency. The average length of published articles was 16.83 pages.
Analysis of the use of charts and maps revealed that the average number of charts per article was 3.56, although the most frequent category was articles without any charts (125 articles). The average number of maps used per article was 5.09, with 89 articles including only one map. The highest use of charts and maps was observed in climatology and meteorology articles. Given the role of these elements in conveying content, greater emphasis should be placed on their use to summarize information and facilitate communication.
Regarding references, the average number of sources per article was 28.62, with the most common number being 27 sources (24 articles).
In terms of techniques used for data collection and analysis, quantitative models were the most common, followed by surveys. SPSS and GIS were the most frequently used software programs. The use of diverse methods and newer analytical tools can contribute to the advancement of this branch of science.
With respect to study areas, Tehran Province accounted for the largest number of research studies, while Isfahan Province was the most active in terms of scientific output and article submissions. Considering the number of graduate students in each province, the highest scientific activity was observed in Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Ardabil, Zanjan, and Kurdistan provinces. The most frequently studied provinces were Ardabil, Kermanshah, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Given the significance of basic research and its undeniable role in advancing various sciences, increasing the proportion of basic studies in the journal could be beneficial.
- The participation of various scientific groups and disciplines in the journal is a positive aspect, as geography and urban studies are interdisciplinary fields, leading to scientific synergy. Efforts should be made to further strengthen this trend.
- Analysis of the geographic distribution of study areas indicates a concentration of research on major cities, whereas other cities also face substantial challenges and require attention.
- The high scientific activity of provinces such as Isfahan, Tehran, and Khorasan is a positive indicator. A similar level of engagement is expected from other provinces to promote geographical research, considering the adequate distribution of scientific centers nationwide.
- Conducting similar studies on other journals in terms of their quantitative and qualitative content is recommended to improve journal performance.
Conclusion
The articles published in the Journal of Geographical Research are predominantly applied in nature and focus on the fields of human and physical geography. Researchers from various geography subfields have actively contributed to the journal. The reduced time required for article acceptance and the rapid publication of accepted articles are positive aspects for the journal. Most published articles have a small number of authors (2 to 3), which may indicate limited collaborative and group-based research activities. Additionally, the majority of articles lack maps and charts.
Acknowledgments: None reported.
Ethical Permission: Not applicable.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Author Contributions: Zangiabadi A (first author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Methodologist/Main Researcher (50%); Rezaiee Adryani S (second author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer/Statistical Analyst (50%)
Funding: None reported.
Keywords:
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