Overview
The revised and updated edition of this bestselling text provides an accessible introduction to the theory and practice of network analysis in the social sciences. It gives a clear and authoritative guide to the general framework of network analysis, explaining the basic concepts, technical measures and reviewing the available computer programs.
The book outlines both the theoretical basis of network analysis and the key techniques for using it as a research tool. Building upon definitions of points, lines and paths, John Scott demonstrates their use in clarifying such measures as density, fragmentation and centralization. He identifies the various cliques, components and circles into which networks are formed, and outlines
Synopsis
Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this handbook gives an accessible introduction to network analysis in the social sciences. As a refreshing contrast to the existing literature on social networks, it does not use complex mathematics, but introduces the reader to the general framework of social network analysis, outlining the basic concepts, technical measures and available computer programs in a clear and comprehensible way.
The concepts of points, lines and paths are defined and used to clarify such measures as density, fragmentation and centralization. The various cliques, components and circles into which networks are formed are identified and an approach to the study of social structured positions is outline.