Lotka's Law
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-31
CORE DEFINITION
In the field of scientific publishing, the number of authors contributing n papers is approximately 1/n^2 of the number of authors contributing one paper. This means that a very small number of highly productive scientists contribute the vast majority of scientific results. For example, the number of people contributing 10 papers is only 1% of those contributing 1 paper. -
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
The inverse square law of output. - A more extreme distribution than the Pareto principle (80/20 rule). In creative, research, or coding fields, the output of top talent is not 2 or 3 times that of ordinary people, but an order of magnitude greater. This reminds managers: for top talent, do not insult them with 'average salary + 20%'; their value may be 100 times that of an average employee.
Anchor fast decisions
The distribution pattern of scientific output: the number of authors writing n papers is approximately 1/n^2 of those writing one paper, indicating that research output is highly uneven, with a few high-yield authors contributing the majority of results.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotka's_lawverified
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