Algebraic Models For Social Networks

The book should be of interest to all researchers interested in using social network methods.

Presented in a comprehensive manner, this book provides a comprehensive foundation in algebraic approaches for the analysis of different types of social networks such as multiple, signed, and affiliation networks. The study of such configurations corresponds to the structural analysis within the social sciences, and the methods applied for the analysis are in the areas of abstract algebra, combinatorics, and graph theory. Current research in social networks has moved toward the examination of more realistic but also more complex social relations by which agents or actors are connected in multiple ways. Addressing this trend, this book offers hands-on training of the algebraic procedures presented along with the computer package multiplex, written by the book’s author specifically to perform analyses of multiple social networks. An introductory section on both complex networks and for R will feature, however the subjects themselves correspond to advanced courses on social network analysis with the specialization on algebraic models and methods.

This book provides an account of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of exponential random graph models (ERGMs).

This sparkling Handbook offers an unrivalled resource for those engaged in the cutting edge field of social network analysis. Systematically, it introduces readers to the key concepts, substantive topics, central methods and prime debates. Among the specific areas covered are: Network theory Interdisciplinary applications Online networks Corporate networks Lobbying networks Deviant networks Measuring devices Key Methodologies Software applications. The result is a peerless resource for teachers and students which offers a critical survey of the origins, basic issues and major debates. The Handbook provides a one-stop guide that will be used by readers for decades to come.

Presented in a comprehensive manner, this book provides a comprehensive foundation in algebraic approaches for the analysis of different types of social networks such as multiple, signed, and affiliation networks. The study of such configurations corresponds to the structural analysis within the social sciences, and the methods applied for the analysis are in the areas of abstract algebra, combinatorics, and graph theory. Current research in social networks has moved toward the examination of more realistic but also more complex social relations by which agents or actors are connected in multiple ways. Addressing this trend, this book offers hands-on training of the algebraic procedures presented along with the computer package multiplex, written by the book’s author specifically to perform analyses of multiple social networks. An introductory section on both complex networks and for R will feature, however the subjects themselves correspond to advanced courses on social network analysis with the specialization on algebraic models and methods.

In the summer of 2002, the Office of Naval Research asked the Committee on Human Factors to hold a workshop on dynamic social network and analysis. The primary purpose of the workshop was to bring together scientists who represent a diversity of views and approaches to share their insights, commentary, and critiques on the developing body of social network analysis research and application. The secondary purpose was to provide sound models and applications for current problems of national importance, with a particular focus on national security. This workshop is one of several activities undertaken by the National Research Council that bears on the contributions of various scientific disciplines to understanding and defending against terrorism. The presentations were grouped in four sessions â€" Social Network Theory Perspectives, Dynamic Social Networks, Metrics and Models, and Networked Worlds â€" each of which concluded with a discussant-led roundtable discussion among the presenters and workshop attendees on the themes and issues raised in the session.

Social network analysis, a method for analyzing relationships between social entities, has expanded over the last decade as new research has been done in this area. How can these new developments be applied effectively in the behavioral and social sciences disciplines? In Advances in Social Network Analysis, a team of leading methodologists in network analysis addresses this issue. They explore such topics as ways to specify the network contents to be studied, how to select the method for representing network structures, how social network analysis has been used to study interorganizational relations via the resource dependence model, how to use a contact matrix for studying the spread of disease in epidemiology, and how cohesion and structural equivalence network theories relate to studying social influence. It also offers statistical models for social support networks. Advances in Social Network Analysis is useful for researchers involved in general research methods and qualitative methods, and who are interested in psychology and sociology.

With a new chapter on social media, new worked examples and better addressing the needs of the newcomer (whilst still remaining authoritative), this fourth edition continues to be an invaluable resource in introducing readers to the theories and techniques of social network analysis.