Social Network Analysis : A Handbook

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 outlined. The use of multidimensional methods for investigating social networks is also discussed.