Network methods

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides methodological background for aspects of the empirical research presented in this volume that may not be familiar to many of its readers. Beginning with the elements that define a social network, the nature and structure of social network data and the special methodological challenges they present are explained. Shown is how the network data structure provides the basis for measures of position and structure at multiple levels of analysis, from the individual to the entire network. Also described is Simulation Investigation for Empirical Network Analysis (SIENA), the dynamic network analytic approach that is the basis for much of the authors’ research on selection and influence processes. Finally, the chapter includes a section on the use of multilevel modeling, which plays a prominent role in this volume due to PROSPER’s longitudinal, multiple-community research design.