Social Network Analysis

Instructor: Ian McCulloh

Intermediate Level • 13 hours to complete 3 weeks at 4 hours a week • Flexible Schedule

What You'll Learn

  • Learn to calculate and interpret key centrality measures to identify influential nodes in social networks.
  • Gain skills in applying statistical models to analyze relationships and dynamics within social networks.
  • Understand how foundational social theories inform network analysis and shape interpretations of social interactions.

Skills You'll Gain

Network Analysis
Statistical Hypothesis Testing
Statistical Modeling
Trend Analysis
R Programming
Sociology
Social Sciences
Graph Theory
Statistical Analysis

Shareable Certificate

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Outcomes

  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course explores the intersection of social theories and statistical analysis within social networks, focusing on structural dependence and its implications. You will engage in hypothesis testing of social forces using empirical data, and will learn to construct networks and model longitudinal behavior with tools such as 'statnet' and 'RSiena.' Key terminology and the hierarchy of social link formation will be emphasized, alongside practical calculations of fundamental graph and network measures like Density and Degree. Additionally, you will be able to differentiate between various network types and centrality measures, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of social network analysis.

In this module, you will explore advanced topics in graph theory and centrality measures as applied to social networks. You will learn to identify key influencers, measure network cohesion, and strategize interventions based on network structure and dynamics.

In this module, you will explore Graph Theory and Centrality Measures, delving into the dynamics of social networks. You will also learn to distinguish between the six social forces and understand the hierarchical formation of social links. You will discuss foundational social theories that underpin social network analysis, providing insights into how these theories shape organizational networks and societal interactions. This module equips you with essential knowledge to analyze and interpret the intricate relationships within social structures.

In this module, you will explore Network Statistical Methods through a comprehensive study of structural dependence and its impact on statistical analysis. You will also learn to calculate link likelihoods manually and conduct hypothesis testing on social forces using empirical data. You will also gain practical skills in constructing Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGM) using ‘statnet’ in R and modeling longitudinal network behavior with Stochastic Actor Oriented Models (SAOM) using ‘RSiena’.