Social Network Analysis: History, Theory and Methodology

by Christina Prell

We live in a world that is paradoxically both small and vast; each of us is embedded in local communities and yet we are only a few ′links′ away from anyone else in the world. This engaging book represents these interdependencies′ positive and negative consequences, their multiple effects and the ways in which a local occurrence in one part of the world can directly affect the rest. Then it demonstrates precisely how these interactions and relationships form.

This is a book for the social network novice learning how to study, think about and analyse social networks; the intermediate user, not yet familiar with some of the newer developments in the field; and the teacher looking for a range of exercises, as well as an up-to-date historical account of the field.

It is divided into three clear

1. historical & Background Concepts

2. Levels of Analysis

3. Advances, Extensions and Conclusions

The book provides a full overview of the field - historical origins, common theoretical perspectives and frameworks; traditional and current analytical procedures and fundamental mathematical equations needed to get a foothold in the field.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2011

Reviews

[Karolina Šilingienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential read for beginners! If sociometry is a non-familiar field but you still want to tackle and analyse social networks in your organisation, this is a must-read. I would only point out that the author describes instructions for using UCInet, yet if you're using another software for your network analysis like Gephi, then you're stuck with illustrations that can easily confuse you.

[Vika Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a basic survey designed to help newbies find a way into actually doing social network analysis. In addition to basic discussions of ideas with pointers to more in-depth literature, the book includes appendices with instructions for using UCInet, one of the basic software packages with which one can play around with data and ideas.

For what she's trying to accomplish, the author does it well. She tries to present material that crosses disciplinary boundaries, but her presentation is also aware of those boundaries and how different disciplines engage with social network analysis differently.

[JPA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally re-read and worked through the book via a project. Highly practical.