It is suggested that the diffusion of scientific articles can be studied in terms of relationships that take place between a class of behaviours associated with the article citation and the social media which stimulate this class verbally. This suggestion assumes that the diffusion does not concern the article, but the relationships between this specific class and their verbal antecedents and consequents in the social media pertinent to those making the citation. The role of interpersonal relationships in controlling the diffusion of scientific articles by rules and information networks is highlighted. It is argued that a framework which conceptualizes the diffusion of scientific papers as processes such as social learning, induction and stimulus control may favour the research of the theme not only by behavioural psychologists and information scientists, but also by researchers and professionals from other areas.
Citation; Scientific article; Scientific communication; Interpersonal relationships