Overview
This is an online, introductory course, covering the concepts, methods and data analysis techniques of social network analysis.
The course is based on the book Analyzing Social Networks by Borgatti et al. (2018) and all participants are advised to obtain a copy. The cost has been deducted from the normal course fee.
The course begins with a general introduction to the distinct goals and perspectives of social network analysis, followed by a practical discussion of network data, covering issues of collection, validity, visualization, and mathematical/computer representation. We then take up the methods of detection and description of structural properties, such as centrality, cohesion, subgroups and positional analysis techniques.
This is a hands-on course largely based around the use of UCINET software and will give participants experience of analyzing real social network data using the techniques covered in the workshop.
Course objectives
The course will:
- Introduce the idea of Social Network Analysis;
- Explain how to describe and visualise networks using specialist software (UCINET);
- Explain key concepts of Social Network Analysis (e.g. Cohesion, Brokerage);
- Provide hands-on training to use software to investigate social network structure.
Course requirements
No prior knowledge of social network analysis is assumed for this course. However, it would be useful to read Scott's (2000) Social Network Analysis: A Handbook.
Participants are required to:
- Obtain a copy of Analyzing Social Networks by Borgatti et al. (2018), which will be used throughout the course;
- Download the UCINET and Netdraw software packages in advance. This can be done for a free period of time from the Analytictech website. It is useful for participants to have a PC running windows; Macs will need to have a PC emulator.
Participants are also required to bring their own laptop.
Who is this course for?
Postgraduate research students and academics wishing to use SNA in their research.
Course timetable
3 July - 7 July 2023
This course will start at 1pm on 3 July 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
Afternoon: Introduction to social network analysis, terminology and the software UCINET/Netdraw (Borgatti et al. (2018), Chapters 1 and 2)
Tuesday, 4 July 2023
Morning: Collecting social network data and research design (Chapters 3 and 4)
Afternoon: Data management and visualisation (Chapters 5 and 7)
Wednesday, 5 July 2023
Morning: Multivariate techniques and whole networks (Chapters 6 and 9)
Afternoon: Centrality and ego networks (Chapters 10 and 15)
Thursday, 6 July 2023
Morning: Equivalence and core-periphery (Chapter 12)
Afternoon:Subgroups and two-mode networks (Chapters 11 and 13)
Friday, 7 July 2023
Morning: Testing hypothesis and large networks (Chapters 8 and 14)
Course leaders
Elisa Bellotti is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester and co-director of the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis. She is the programme director of the Msc in Social Network Analysis and teaches introductory and advanced workshops in social network analysis and egonetworks, and in mixed methods in SNA. Her research interests mainly focus on relational sociology and its link with other mainstream sociological theories; and on social network analysis and mixed methods. She has taken this approach in several sociological substantive areas, such as the study of intimacy and personal relationships, sociology of science, criminal networks, inter and intra organisational ties, and sociology of consumption.
Nick Crossley is Professor of Sociology at The University of Manchester. His main work using social network analysis has focused upon music worlds, social movements and covert networks. He has also written extensively about 'relational sociology', a theoretical position that advocates a focus upon networks in sociology. His most recent book is Networks of Sound, Style and Subversion: the Punk and Post-Punk Worlds of Manchester, London, Liverpool and Sheffield, 1975-1976 (Manchester University Press).
Martin Everett is a Professor in Social Network Analysis at the University of Manchester and currently co-directs the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis (with Nick Crossley). He has been a past president of the International Network for Social Network Analysis (INSNA) and is co-author of the software package UCINET and the Sage book Analyzing social networks. Martin regularly gives invited talks at major conferences and is co-editor of the journal Social Networks. He is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and a Simmel award holder, the highest honour given by INSNA.
Recommended reading
- Borgatti, S. P., Everett, M. G., & Johnson, J. C. (2018). Analyzing social networks (2nd ed). Sage.
Cost
£360 – Full
£240 – Discounted rate for PGRs
Book your place
Registration is available through our eStore.
Bursaries for PGR students
If you are a PGR student you are entitled to apply for a bursary. These are competitive, limited in number, and may be offered on a full and part fee-waiver basis. If you would like to apply for one of these bursaries please complete our bursary application form and you will be notified as soon as possible.