Influential publications in Social Work discourse: The 100 most highly cited articles in disciplinary journals: 2000-09

Examinations of highly cited articles are common in professions such as medicine as a way to enhance professional self-reflection. Yet, little research has examined influential articles in social work. In light of the emergence of a distinct disciplinary knowledge base over the past few decades, this study identifies the 100 most cited articles in disciplinary social work journals (N 79) published during 200009. Analysis revealed twelve citation classics spanning a relatively diverse array of subjects. Among the various topics that appeared among the 100 most cited articles, the results suggest that evidence-based practice/social work research plays a particularly important role in professional discourse. Also notable is the fact that some two-thirds of the most highly cited articles were published in just four journals.