Social network analysis and its applications to school psychology: A tutorial.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Network Science

Background:

• Social network analysis (SNA) is increasingly used in psychological sciences.
• School psychology has lagged in adopting SNA methods.
• Understanding social dynamics is crucial for psychological functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of core SNA concepts and data collection in schools.
• To address considerations for school psychology researchers using SNA.
• To demonstrate the application of SNA in understanding adolescent social behavior.

Main Methods:

• Review of SNA frameworks and methodologies.
• Description of network data collection techniques applicable to school settings.
• Case example illustrating SNA application to adolescent aggression and bystander effect.

Main Results:

• SNA provides tools to analyze direct and indirect relationship influences.
• Specific methods for collecting network data in schools are outlined.
• The study highlights SNA's potential to illuminate complex social behaviors like aggression.

Conclusions:

• SNA offers valuable frameworks and methods for school psychology.
• Adoption of SNA can enhance research on social influences in schools.
• Understanding adolescent social networks is key to addressing issues like aggression and the bystander effect.