Introduction to Social Network Analysis

Overview

Location: BPC 234

Instructors: Dan Brass, Dan Halgin, and David Krackhardt.

This is a 4-day (Mon-Thu) workshop that provides a balanced introduction to social network analysis, including theoretical concepts, data collection, research design, network measures, using the software and interpreting results. The first day is a theoretical, historical and empirical overview of the field. The remaining three days introduce the main concepts of SNA, including centrality, cohesion, and social capital, as well research methods such as data collection, data management and testing hypotheses. Participants are also introduced to the UCINET/NetDraw software. Compared to the "Analyzing Social Networks" module, this course is more conceptual, assumes no background, and moves a little slower on the computer. Participants are shown how to use the software, but many of the bells and whistles are left out. In the labs, the instructors demonstrate the software and participants follow along on their machines. Multiple TAs circulate to help people who get stuck. A more detailed schedule of topics is given at the bottom of the page. Please note David Krackhardt will only be available the first day.

Software

UCINET 6 for Windows is used. The software is provided on a trial basis -- the user may purchase it later if they wish to. Mac and Linux users: Please note this is Windows software only. See this FAQ for more information.

It is strongly suggested that you download and install the software well-before coming to the workshop in order to iron out any problems. Then download it again on the eve of the workshop to get the latest version.

Topics

This is highly tentative at this point.

Monday
- (90% of day) Introduction to basic concepts by Brass and Krackhardt.
- (Last half hour) Installing UCINET
- Tuesday
  - (AM) Graph theory; Network data and data entry.
  - (PM) Centrality
- Wednesday
  - (AM) Brokerage and social capital
  - (PM) Cohesion
- Thursday
  - (AM) Hypothesis testing with QAP
  - (PM) Special topics: 2-mode data, data collection, etc.

Slides

Introduction to social networks: concepts and core ideas (Brass)