Verweisketten

Verweisketten describe sequences of references in which a document or item points to another, which in turn points to another, forming a chain of references. In information science and bibliometrics a Verweiskette is often modeled as a directed graph: nodes are sources and edges indicate that one source cites another. The concept is used to study how information, arguments, or claims propagate through a network of documents.

Verweisketten can be linear, where each item cites a single predecessor, or branching, where a source cites several predecessors. Circular chains are possible when two or more documents cite each other. Analyzing these chains helps assess the depth and provenance of knowledge, the influence of particular works, and the reliability or originality of cited material. In legal contexts the term reflects how authorities, statutes, and prior decisions are cited in succession to justify an argument or ruling, making the chain of authorities traceable and transparent.

Challenges in Verweisketten include link rot and version changes that break links, dead or retracted citations, and the difficulty of evaluating credibility along a chain. Distinguishing between foundational sources and peripheral references is also nontrivial. Related terms include Zitationskette or Referenzkette, used in bibliometric and legal analyses.

Applications span literature reviews, citation-network analysis, provenance tracking in data systems, and digital archiving. Understanding Verweisketten supports traceability, reproducibility, and critical appraisal of how information evolves across documents.