Introduction to Social Network Analysis

Instructors: Dan Halgin, Dan Brass and special guest David Krackhardt

Overview

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 some 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.

Software

Please visit our software page.

Topics

  • Monday

    • (90% of day) Introduction to basic concepts led by David Krackhardt

    • (Last half hour) UCINET (please instal prior to arrival)

    • Tuesday

      • (AM) Graph theory; Network data; Intro to UCINET & Netdraw

      • (PM) Centrality

    • Wednesday

      • (AM) Brokerage and social capital

      • (PM) Cohesion

    • Thursday

      • (AM) Hypothesis testing with QAP

      • (PM) Special topics: 2-mode data, data collection, data entry, etc.

Course Materials

    • 2016 Course packet will be emailed to participants

Recommended Readings

NOTE: We don't assume any prior reading for our track, but if you'd like to learn a bit more about SNA, the below articles are a good start.

  • Borgatti, S.P. and Foster, P. 2003. The network paradigm in organizational research: A review and typology.Journal of Management. 29(6): 991-1013 [pdf]

    • Borgatti, S.P., Brass, D.J., & Halgin, D. S. (2014). Social network research: Confusions, criticisms, and controversies. In D. J. Brass, G. Labianca, A. Mehra, D. S. Halgin, & S. Borgatti (eds.), Research in the Sociology of Organizations, 1-33. Emerald. [pdf]

    • Borgatti, S.P., Mehra, A., Brass, D. and Labianca, G. (2009). Network analysis in the social sciences. Science, Vol. 323. no. 5916, 892-895. [published version] [longer pre-pub version]

  • Borgatti, S.P. & Halgin, D.S. (2011). On Network Theory. Organization Science. September/October 2011 22(5):1168-1181 [pdf]

    • Brass, D. J. (2012). A social network perspective on organizational psychology. In S. W. J. Kozlowski (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Organizational Psychology, 667-695. New York, Oxford University Press. [pdf]

  • Brass, D. (forthcoming). A social network perspective on industrial/organizational psychology. Industrial/Organizational Handbook. [pdf]

    • UCINET Quick-Start Guide [pdf]

Additional Readings

The approach taken in this workshop is highly consistent with the material in the following book. It is helpful to read the book before coming to the workshop.