Social Network Analysis Louisiana State Univerity社会网络分析路易斯安那州立大学.pptVIP

Social Network Analysis Introduction What is Network Analysis? Social network analysis is a method by which one can analyze the connections across individuals or groups or institutions. That is, it allows us to examine how political actors or institutions are interrelated. Network Analysis The advantage of social network analysis is that, unlike many other methods, it focuses on interaction (rather than on individual behavior). Network analysis allows us to examine how the configuration of networks influences how individuals and groups, organizations, or systems function. Network Analysis It can be applied across disciplines—there are social networks, political networks, electrical networks, transportation networks, and so on. History of (Social) Network Analysis First, let’s discuss the history of network analysis, to give an idea of what sorts of questions can be posed. Then, we’ll discuss some basic concepts. Much early research in network analysis is found in educational psychology, and studies of child development. Network analysis also developed in fields such as sociology and anthropology. History of Social Network Analysis In the 19th century, Durkheim wrote of “social facts”—or phenomena that are created by the interactions of individuals, yet constitute a reality that is independent of any individual actor. History of Social Network Analysis At the turn of the 20th century, Simmel was one of the first scholars to think in relatively explicit social network terms. He examined how third parties could affect the relationship between two individuals—and he examined how organizational structures or bureaucracies were needed to coordinate interactions in large groups. (See “The Number of Members in Determining the Sociological Form of the Group”) Early History One of the first examples of empirical network research can be found in 1922, in Almack’s “The Influence of Intelligence on the Selection of Associates.” Almack asked children in a California