Social Network Analysis 2400-ZEWW961
Human behaviors are not independent, they are embedded in networks of social interactions. This regards all spheres of life, including, but not limited to, economic decisions and operating of businesses. The world we know is highly interconnected, for good or bad. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a research approach that postulates to analyze individuals within the framework of social connections. It also enables to observe how individual interactions translate in a non-additive way to phenomena occurring at the level of the entire network.
The main course objective is a presentation of different methods and technics of SNA. The most important expected result of instruction is obtaining orientation about the potential of SNA. It is intended to enable to get basic skills of planning and conducting own empirical research using SNA as well as getting knowledge needed for understanding and critical assessment of other authors' researches. These skills can be
useful not only while conducting own scientific research (e.g. as a part of master thesis) but also in business practice, as the possible applications of SNA are numerous and increasing.
The course consists of 30 hours of on campus learning, divided into ten topics. Additionally, there is around 45 hours of home working including reading the required literature and practical exercises. Each practical exercise is given an individual feedback, which is a part of instruction given.
The course is constructed according the following schedule:
Topic 1. Introduction to Social Network Analysis – its potential and applications
Topic 2. Collection and visualization of network data
Topic 3. Strong and weak ties, triadic closure
Topic 4. Descriptive statistics regarding the positions in networks
Topic 5. Applications in organizational studies
Topic 6. Homophily, selection and social influence
Topic 7. Verifying network hypothesis
Topic 8. Modelling network dynamics
Topic 9. Whole-network characteristics and phenomena
Topic 10. Cascades, spread of innovations and epidemics
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Expertise and cognizance:
Upon the course completion a student has a general knowledge about different methods of Social Network Analysis, its potential and possible applications. A student understands social processes that take part in social networks.
2. Skills
A student is able to plan and conduct a basic SNA research.
A student is able to understand and critically evaluate existing SNA researches.
3. Other competences
A student understands ethical dilemmas connected with conducting SNA researches. A student understands a need to develop knowledge and skills regarding research methods
chosen for deployment. A student is aware of pros and cons of different approaches
Assessment criteria
Evaluation is based on participation and activity in the classes, in-class checking the knowledge on the required reading and homework: practical tasks accompanying the discussed topics and designed to obtain skills useful in doing SNA research – these will be conducted in teams. All these assignments will be graded and there are 100 points in total to be collected. In case of practical tasks, individual feedback will be provided.
A condition to obtain a credit is to get minimum 50 points, out of maximum 100.
50-59 points - 3
60-69 points - 3+
70-79 points - 4
80-89 points - 4+
90-100 points – 5
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: