dg.o 2007

Application of Social Network Analysis in Digital Government Research

Sunday, May 20, 2007, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

This tutorial is intended to give an overview of existing social network theories and a brief introduction into the analysis of network data using a common software tool called UCInet and various visualization methods. It is aimed at researchers interested in the theory and analysis of relationships between computer networks, organizational and institutional actors. Moreover, specific applications for digital government researchers will be presented.

Existing, well-known and often reanalyzed data will be used to show the relevance of social network analysis in different fields of application. In addition, data drawn from the presenters’ work and representing different areas of Digital Government will be presented to show the relevance of the method and to enhance the understanding of social network analysis. A Q&A session will end the tutorial, in which researchers can address their specific research needs.

After this tutorial, attendees will be able to analyze their own data using social network analysis techniques. The lecturers will provide a list of introductory readings and Internet resources on Social Network Theory and Analysis.

Presenters:

Dr. Ines Mergel, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Professor David Lazer, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Professor Noshir Contractor, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign