Network Analysis: Methodological Foundations

by Ulrik Brandes (Editor), Thomas Erlebach (Editor)

‘Network’ is a heavily overloaded term, so that ‘network analysis’ means different things to different people. Specific forms of network analysis are used in the study of diverse structures such as the Internet, interlocking directorates, transportation systems, epidemic spreading, metabolic pathways, the Web graph, electrical circuits, project plans, and so on. There is, however, a broad methodological foundation which is quickly becoming a prerequisite for researchers and practitioners working with network models. From a computer science perspective, network analysis is applied graph theory. Unlike standard graph theory books, the content of this book is organized according to methods for specific levels of analysis (element, group, network) rather than abstract concepts like paths, matchings, or spanning subgraphs. Its topics therefore range from vertex centrality to graph clustering and the evolution of scale-free networks. In 15 coherent chapters, this monograph-like tutorial book introduces and surveys the concepts and methods that drive network analysis, and is thus the first book to do so from a methodological perspective independent of specific application areas.

Genres: Mathematics

484 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Russell Jurney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the finest introduction to network analysis there is. The descriptions of different centralities are particularly good, with a focus on applications. For those new to network analysis, this book is a good read after Social Network Analysis (Wasserman). For those more experienced, the book serves as a ready reference.