Tutorial: Introduction to Social Network Analysis Concepts and Methods (Half-day Tutorial)
Leaders: Devan Rosen and  George A. Barnett

Social network analysis is a rapidly evolving field that has received increased interest and scientific advances over the last few decades. The study of social networks is a branch of systems sciences and complex systems, and the evolution of the field of social networks both informs and is informed by the study of systems. Drawing from an interdisciplinary background of computer and systems sciences, sociology, anthropology, communication, statistics, economics, and others, social networks has emerged as a unifying conceptual and methodological approach to the study of social and information systems. Participants will be introduced to formal concepts of social networks and the systems approach, drawing conceptual parallels to participants’ research interests and providing a basis for understanding that can catalyze collaboration. Topics covered in this tutorial include an introduction to network concepts and components, methods for measurement, tools for analysis and visualization, and applications of social network analysis.

Devan Rosen (rosend@hawaii.edu) is currently Assistant Professor of Speech at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and has published on topics including social network analysis, self-organizing systems, and computer-mediated communication. Professor Rosen’s research focuses on decentralized communication networks, communication technology, and culture.

George A. Barnett (gbarnett@ucdavis.edu) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of California - Davis. Currently, he is President of the International Network of Social Network Analysts. Professor Barnett's research concerns structural models of the role of communication in social and cultural processes.