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Network analysis in the social sciences
Stephen P Borgatti1, Ajay Mehra, Daniel J Brass
1LINKS Center for Network Research in Business, Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0034, USA. sborgatti@uky.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 14, 2009
Summary
Social network analysis offers valuable explanations for social phenomena across many disciplines. This review covers its applications, assumptions, and goals for researchers in physical and social sciences.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Research
Background:
- Network research has surged in popularity across scientific disciplines over the last decade.
- Social network theory provides explanations for diverse social phenomena, impacting fields from psychology to economics.
- Social network analysis (SNA) is increasingly utilized to understand social structures and interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of social network analysis in social sciences.
- To describe the core assumptions, objectives, and mechanisms of SNA.
- To foster interdisciplinary dialogue on network phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of social network analysis applications.
- Synthesis of key concepts and methodologies in SNA.
- Identification of common explanatory frameworks within social network research.
Main Results:
- SNA has been applied to explain a wide range of social phenomena.
- Common assumptions include the importance of relationships and structures.
- Explanatory mechanisms often focus on diffusion, influence, and structural equivalence.
Conclusions:
- Social network analysis is a powerful tool for understanding social behavior.
- Further interdisciplinary collaboration can advance network science.
- Understanding network antecedents and consequences is crucial for scientific progress.
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