Section for Complexity and Network Studies Pre Conference Workshops
Sponsored by the ASPA Section for Complexity and Network Studies and the Center for Network Science at the University of Colorado Denver
Note: Participants will receive additional information regarding logistics, meeting location, and materials prior to the workshop.
Workshop I: Introduction to Social Network Analysis using UCINET
Instructor: Dr. Fatih Demiroz, Sam Houston State University
Date: Thursday March 8, 2018, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: University of Colorado Denver
This workshop will introduce the fundamental concepts and tools of social network analysis. This includes, among other topics, centrality, brokerage, cliques and visualization. The workshop is divided into two parts: The first half will focus on concept definition, the underlying logic behind network measures and how to apply network measures to empirical research. The second half will be more hands-on as participants are introduced to the UCINET/NetDraw software. Here participants will practice the calculation and interpretation of key network measures using UCINET as well as visualize network data using NetDraw.
Workshop II: Introduction to Exponential Random Graph Models
Instructor: Michael D. Siciliano, University of Illinois at Chicago
Date: Thursday March 8, 2018, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: University of Colorado Denver
The basic nature of social and organizational networks, as relational structures with complex patterns of dependency, delayed the integration of empirical network research with statistical modeling due to the lack of available techniques. However, computational and modeling advances in recent years have led to tremendous growth in methods for analyzing networks. This workshop emphasizes a class of statistical models known as exponential random graph models (ERGMs). ERGMs provide a robust framework to test specific, theoretically driven hypotheses regarding factors affecting network formation. The workshop will consist of both lecture and demonstration to give participants an understanding of the theoretical background and formulation of ERGMs as well as an intuitive understanding of model interpretation. Analysis will be conducted in the R programming language using the statnet package. All participants will be provided with the data and analysis code used during the workshop.
Workshop III: Tools for Conducting Social Network Analysis in Communities
Instructor: Danielle Varda, Center on Network Science, University of Colorado Denver
Date: Thursday March 8, 2018, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: University of Colorado Denver
As more organizations and communities collaborate, measuring, evaluating and using data from community networks can be a challenging endeavor. A novel yet growing approach is the use of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to assess the quality and quantity of the interrelationships between people and organizations in communities, especially as a way to describe program and intervention outcomes. In this workshop, Danielle Varda will provide a four-hour introduction to applying SNA to evaluating community networks. The workshop will focus on:
- Why you might use a SNA approach in evaluation
- How to use SNA in evaluation/assessment
- How to assess a network’s strength and impact
- How to make evidence-based decisions for effectively managing and improving your network’s outcomes
- How to translate SNA findings into action steps and strategies
Participants will also have an opportunity to do hands-on analysis with a tool (PARTNER - Program to Analyze, Record, and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships) that makes the task of social network analysis survey design and analysis straightforward. This workshop will give participants the tools to immediately apply SNA to evaluation.