Theoretical sources of social representations: a bibliometric profile of texts cited in Brazilian scientific journals on Health

In activities leading to the formulation of policies and services, in either research or education, it can be seen that the processes of acquisition and utilization of empirical data are not always anchored on theoretical foundations. At the same time, theoretical formulations appear as alienated from experience. On the other hand, a qualitative approach and an increasing adherence of researchers basing their methodology on the Social Representations Theory (SRT) seem to be more present in Health scientific publications. Through the analysis of citations applied to 45 reports of SRT-based empirical work, 69 bibliographical sources of that theory have been identified. This paper presents a list of such sources as a way of favoring the search by students or researchers concerned with the subject. Also, a bibliometrical profile was drawn of various aspects of those sources and of their recurrence within the group under analysis.

Qualitative research; Social representations; Social Representations Theory; Health; Bibliometrics