Synopsis
Until now, there has been no comprehensive introductory resource on the theory and application of network analysis in the social sciences, except for the highly mathematically oriented. Many researchers would like to use these techniques, but are intimidated by the complex mathematical style of the available journals and texts. Written in simple, nontechnical language, Scott introduces network analysis to the novice researcher, without assuming particular mathematical abilities. Scott guides the reader through the general framework of network analysis, outlining the basic concepts, technical measures, and available computer programs. Specifically, Scott defines the concepts of points, lines, and paths used to clarify such measures as density, fragmentation, and centralization. He identifies the various cliques, components, and circles into which networks are formed, and he outlines the approach to the study of social structured positions. And, he discusses the use of multidimensional methods for investigating social networks. This invaluable volume bridges the gap between theory and practice. It not only explains the key concepts and technical measures used in network analysis, but also illustrates their sociological applications drawing examples from major research projects in a number of substantive areas. Areas covered include community networks, business networks, scientific networks, and power networks. In each area, Scott examines the work of leading researchers from the perspective of their practical use of network analysis. This highly accessible, one-of-a-kind book will be an essential tool for researchers in the social sciences and students of research methods. "It′s aim is to simplify the techniques of social network analysis, to expand the understanding of social network analysis by motivating people to acquire the more complex knowledge as and when they need it′ and ′to bridge the gap between theory and practice of network analysis... This book will be useful to teachers, students and researchers who would like to get a first insight into social network analysis." --Journal of Classification "John Scott provides a good guide to doing social network analysis. He shows what measures to use and how to obtain them. He gives us a judicious summary of recent research findings and a useful account of how network analysis developed. This book is essential for those who want to keep up with--and move forward with--the field." --Barry Wellman, University of Toronto "John Scott′s Social Network Analysis: A Handbook fills a gap between simplest introductions and inaccessibly technical treatments. The increasing popularity of these methods warrants a solid introductory text, which Scott′s book admirably provides. He guides novice network analysts unerringly through the thicket of terms and techniques. The numerous diagrams are especially helpful in illuminating nuances. The substantive examples remind us of the range of practical applications for network research. After absorbing all of Social Network Analysis′ lessons, the reader will be well-prepared to move on to more challenging expositions." --David Knoke, University of Minnesota "Scott has done an extremely effective job. The survey of central concepts and ideas of the network approach is at once accurate and accessible, and the illustrations provide a good hook for the substantive researcher. I think the book will serve well, both as a supplementary book for those who seek just an overview of the approach and as an introductory guide for those who are planning to go deeper. I expect that I′ll adopt it for a course I′ll be teaching later this year. . . . The whole thing is done well, and reads gently." --Peter V. Marsden, Harvard University
About the Author
John Scott is an Honorary Professor at the Universities of Essex, Exeter, and Copenhagen. He was formerly a professor of sociology at the Universities of Essex and Leicester, and pro-vice-chancellor for research at the University of Plymouth. He has been president of the British Sociological Association, Chair of the Sociology Section of the British Academy, and in 2013 was awarded the CBE for Services to Social Science. His work covers theoretical sociology, the history of sociology, elites and social stratification, and social network analysis. His most recent books include British Social Theory: Recovering Lost Traditions before 1950 (SAGE, 2018), Envisioning Sociology. Victor Branford, Patrick Geddes, and the Quest for Social Reconstruction (with Ray Bromley, SUNY Press, 2013), Objectivity and Subjectivity in Social Research (with Gayle Letherby and Malcolm Williams, SAGE, 2011).
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