An Introduction to Network Analysis as a Research Technique - 2010 Version . From time to time I run a half-day seminar called “Introducing Network Analysis as a Research Technique ”, followed by a practical workshop that builds on the mornings activities and introduces participants to UCINET and NetDraw . The seminar is aimed at new researchers. It has been upgraded and revised to include an example that illustrates pitfalls for researchers and analysts. 

Typically the seminar occurs in the morning and is organised into four sessions.

Session one:

• provides a brief history of network analysis;


• positions network analysis in the research traditions;


• explains why network analysis is useful, and why it is gaining traction now; and


• provides some examples across disciplines where network analysis is being used.

Session two:

• explains the differences between social, organisational and business network analysis;


• lists some of the visualisation and analysis tools that are available, and describes their strengths and weaknesses; and


• shows some examples of the various maps (visualisations) that can be produced.

Session three:

• introduces the concepts of one and two mode networks, and attributes;


• discusses how data might be collected and structured;


• discusses some ethical considerations; and


• finishes by providing some presentation tips.

Session four:

Session four uses data from Google Scholar to show collaboration between Iranian Nuclear Physicists, which is visualised in UCINET/NetDraw and NetMiner III. It shows the dangers of incomplete data sets and poor interpretation.

The workshop

Here are the 2009 workshop slides . The workshop is aimed at absolute beginners, and introduces participants to UCINET and NetDraw . It builds on the seminar, although attendance at the seminar is not a prerequisite. Participants:

• complete a short exercise where attendees list their friendship network, with attributes, in an EXCEL spreadsheet;


• import their data into UCINET and NetDraw ; and


• visualise their data in NetDraw using various layouts.

Time permitting I help participants structure their own data so it is ready for use in UCINET and NetDraw .

Feedback

This file provides the feedback I received from the participants at the Winter 2008 seminar and workshop. This link has testimonials and ratings by previous participants. 

On Demand Seminars and Workshops 

The seminar and workshop are also offered on demand by Knowledge Matters™, and can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. Here is a network analysis as applied to project management example.  Send me an e-mail if you want more details.

Regards, Graham