摘要：Thi article aims to analyses the numerous denominations and orientations adopted for studies that map subject areas of studies, while it also assesses and synthesizers search outcomes showing methodological evidence. The studies used for this analysis were selected from journals by Capes. The analysis considered mainly Education articles; however, some Medical studies were also included given studies of this sort originated in the Medical subject area. Therefore, several studies in that area have better level of detail and clearer methodological specification allowing better characterization of each of the denominations. This article allowed consideration of the existence of different nomenclatures for the same sort of study, sometime seven in the same subject area; another development is that various different computer applications are used by researchers when executing this sort of investigation. However, value and credibility accredited to a research study rely essentially on the transparence and methodological rigour employed by the researcher.
