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How does VOSviewer calculate and visualize the strength of links between items (e.g., keywords, authors, countries) in a network map?

For my methodology chapter, I need to accurately explain how VOSviewer determines relationship strength. Is it a raw count, a normalized index? And then, how is that numerical strength translated into the visual properties of the lines or positions we see on the screen? The details matter for my research transparency.

 

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By Nirav Answered 1 year ago

VOSviewer calculates link strength as a positive numerical value based on the co-occurrence count. For keywords, it’s simply how many publications in your dataset list both terms together. This raw count is the primary weight. Visually, this strength is encoded in two key ways: first, the thickness of the line connecting two nodes is directly proportional to their link strength. Second, and more subtly, the layout algorithm uses this strength to determine proximity items with stronger links are pulled closer together in the map. So, a thick line and short distance both signal a strong, frequent association.

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