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Social Network Analysis
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Social Network Analysis
Methods and Examples



November 2016 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Social Network Analysis: Methods and Examples prepares social science students to conduct their own social network analysis (SNA) by covering basic methodological tools along with illustrative examples from various fields. This innovative book takes a conceptual rather than a mathematical approach as it discusses the connection between what SNA methods have to offer and how those methods are used in research design, data collection, and analysis. Four substantive applications chapters provide examples from politics, work and organizations, mental and physical health, and crime and terrorism studies.

 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: Basics of Social Network Analysis
1.1 Introduction

 
1.2 The Social Network and How to Represent It

 
1.3 Types of Networks

 
1.4 Network Parts and Levels of Analysis

 
1.5 Networks as Social Structure and Institution

 
1.6 Theoretical Assumptions

 
1.7 Causality in Social Network Studies

 
1.8 A Brief History of Social Network Analysis

 
 
Chapter 2: Data Collection
2.1 Boundary Specification

 
2.2 Data Collection Process

 
2.3 Informant Bias and Issue of Reliability

 
2.4 Archival Data

 
 
Chapter 3: Descriptive Methods in Social Network Analysis
3.1 Graph and Matrix–Social Network Representation

 
3.2 Density

 
3.3 Centrality, Centralization, and Prestige

 
3.4 Cliques

 
3.5 Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Dendogram

 
3.6 Structural Equivalence

 
3.7 Two-Mode Networks and Bipartite Matrix

 
 
Chapter 4: Inferential Methods in Social Network Analysis
4.1 Permutation and QAP (Quadratic Assignment Procedure) Correlation

 
4.2 P* or Exponential Random Graph Model (ERGM)

 
 
Chapter 5: Social Network Analysis of Work and Organizations
5.1 Personal Connections and Labor Market Processes

 
5.2 Intra-Organizational Networks

 
5.3 Inter-Organizational Relations

 
 
Chapter 6: Social Network Analysis in Crime and Terrorism
6.1 Personal Networks, Delinquency, and Crime

 
6.2 Neighborhood Networks

 
6.3 Criminal Networks

 
6.4 Analyzing Social Networks of Terror

 
 
Chapter 7: Social Network Analysis in Emotional and Physical Health
7.1 Social Network Analysis and Emotional Health

 
7.2 Social Network Analysis in Physical Fitness

 
7.3 Social Network Analysis and Illicit Drug Use

 
7.4 Social Network Analysis and Sexually Transmitted Disease

 
 
Chapter 8: Political Networks
8.1 American Politics

 
8.2 Networks in International Relations

 
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

“In the growing literature on social networks, Social Network Analysis: Methods and Examples stands out for the authors' ability to introduce readers to key network theoretical concepts, methodology, and applications in a variety of fields in a very accessible and clear fashion.”

Renato Corbetta
University of Alabama at Birmingham

“An excellent introduction to the emerging field of social networks, providing the foundation to become engaged in the practice of social network analysis.”

Scott A. Comparato
Southern Illinois University

“The book offers a series of vivid examples to demonstrate the utilities of network analysis in a variety of contexts—that is something valuable and that separates this book from others.”

Weihua An
Indiana University

“This is a solid introductory text that illustrates the value of social network analysis in a multiple contexts.”

Tim J. Anderson
Old Dominion University
Key features
KEY FEATURES: 

  • Social Network Visualizations in each chapter illustrate important studies, highlight methods, or explain concepts and reflect the broad range of topics covered—from terrorist networks to networks of interactions among coworkers.
  • Social Network in Action boxes demonstrate how studies of social network analysis inform general social issues.
  • End-of-Chapter questions test students’ understanding of the material and encourage them to apply concepts to practical problems.
  • Learning Objectives identify the important issues/topics readers should understand after reading the chapter.
  • Graphs that illustrate computation help students grasp various methods.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 5


For instructors

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