Synopses & Reviews
'Network' is a heavily overloaded term, so that 'network analysis' means different things to different people. Specific forms of network analysis are used in the study of diverse structures such as the Internet, interlocking directorates, transportation systems, epidemic spreading, metabolic pathways, the Web graph, electrical circuits, project plans, and so on. There is, however, a broad methodological foundation which is quickly becoming a prerequisite for researchers and practitioners working with network models. From a computer science perspective, network analysis is applied graph theory. Unlike standard graph theory books, the content of this book is organized according to methods for specific levels of analysis (element, group, network) rather than abstract concepts like paths, matchings, or spanning subgraphs. Its topics therefore range from vertex centrality to graph clustering and the evolution of scale-free networks. In 15 coherent chapters, this monograph-like tutorial book introduces and surveys the concepts and methods that drive network analysis, and is thus the first book to do so from a methodological perspective independent of specific application areas.
Synopsis
Studying Social Networks provides a concise, comprehensive introduction to the process of empirical network research. Students and practitioners new to social research will find easily understandable learning goals, numerous examples, and helpful exercises all in one compact volume. The authors have integrated different disciplinary perspectives, while stressing the importance of substance-specific orientation while studying networks. Scholars will find
Studying Social Networks a helpful tool not only for teaching, but also as a guide for their own empirical research.
About the Author
Marina Hennig is professor of social network research and sociology of the family at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. Ulrik Brandes is professor of algorithmics in the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Konstanz.
Jürgen Pfeffer is assistant research professor at the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.
Ines Mergel is assistant professor for public administration and international affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.