Introduction to Social Network Analysis

Social Network Analysis is a hugely exciting field that newcomers often find exciting but bewildering. Fundamentals of Social Network Analysis is a hands-on introduction which aims to empower its readers and provide them with the means to apply a variety of SNA techniques in their own work. It also demonstrates the ways in which SNA can be used in small-scale settings, as well as the large areas that it is usually associated with.



The full range of approaches to SNA is covered in this practical book, including:



- Mapping complete social networks;

- Structural analysis;

- Research design;

- Emerging techniques;

- Applications of network analysis.



Malcolm Alexander is a highly respected author with a strong history of teaching social network analysis to students and professionals. Throughout the book he uses simple exercises to demonstrate the practical applications of the methods which he describes. There is a clear lack of introductory texts in this area and so this book is essential for any newcomer to the field who wants to apply it to their own research.

The Excitement of Social Network Analysis
PART ONE: MAPPING WHOLE SOCIAL NETWORKS
Network Diagrams: The Power of Visualization
Managing Complex Network Data
Structural Analysis of Whole Networks
2-Mode Network Data: An Additional Dimension of Network Analysis
PART TWO: EGONET APPROACHES IN SNA AND LOGICS OF SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS
Egonet Research: Name Generators and Social Capital Research
Network-Relevant Survey Data and Whole Network Models
Research Designs for Social Network Analysis
PART THREE: EMERGING DIRECTIONS IN NETWORK ANALYSIS, SOCIAL THEORY AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
Network Modeling and Social Research Needs
Social Network Concepts and Social Theory
Putting Network Analysis to Work