How to analyze the development trends of a certain research field through Scopus?

Analyzing research field development trends through Scopus involves leveraging the database's analytical features to identify thematic shifts and growth patterns. This approach is both feasible and widely adopted within scholarly contexts. Initiate analysis using Scopus' Analyze search results function; access this via search interface tools. Essential parameters include setting precise document date ranges, subject area classifications, and document types for comparative consistency. Core metrics encompass annual publication volume tracking, citation burst detection, and keyword frequency or co-occurrence mapping via clustering tools. Critical precautions: verify keyword comprehensiveness to minimize omission bias and acknowledge Scopus' discipline-specific coverage gaps when interpreting trends. Implementation requires selecting appropriate Scopus search strings representing the target field. Execute search, then utilize Scopus Analyzer to generate chronological publication/citation charts and keyword evolution networks. Next, interpret emerging high-citation publications and increasing author/institution contributions against keyword timeline maps. Finally, synthesize findings to forecast nascent topics and influential contributors, thereby guiding strategic research planning or collaboration opportunities effectively.