Publication Growth, Collaboration Patterns, and Research Trends in the Physics Education Journal: A Bibliometric Study (1966-2024)
Adventia Putri Pradita (a), Sukarmin(a*), Yulianto Agung Rezeki(a)

(a)Postgraduate of Physics Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
*sukarmin67[at]staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric overview of research published in Physics Education from 1996 to 2024. The analysis aims to identify long-term publication trends, influential contributions, collaboration patterns, and the thematic evolution of research within the journal. Results show a steady growth in both publication output and citation impact, indicating the journal^s increasing prominence in the physics education community. Western developed countries-particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia-remain the strongest contributors, with Rod, C. emerging as the most productive author. The most cited work centers on comparing suspension and traditional volume-measurement techniques based on Archimedes^ principle, highlighting enduring interest in foundational mechanics topics. Keyword and thematic trends reveal a shift from classical mechanics toward emerging areas such as thermodynamics, modern physics, quantum physics, and technology-enhanced learning, including ChatGPT and smartphone-based tools. These findings provide a clearer understanding of how Physics Education has evolved over nearly three decades and offer insights into the directions that future research within the journal is likely to take.

Keywords: Bibliometric- Physics Education Research- VOSViewer- Bibliometrix- R-Package

Topic: Physics and Physics Education