Social Network Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Social Network Theory (SNT) emphasize?

Random mixing of individuals

The strength of network relationships and ties (correct)

The importance of geographic distance

The characteristics of individual actors

What do nodes and ties represent in social networks?

Nodes represent individuals, and ties represent relationships between them.

A diagram of a social network consists of 0----0----0 where the 0s are and the lines are .

nodes; ties

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social networks?

Geographic isolation Signup and view all the answers

What influences the likelihood of patterns contributing to HIV spread according to Adimora's research?

Socioeconomic forces such as racial discrimination, economic deprivation, residential segregation, and high rates of imprisonment. Signup and view all the answers

Social networks have no influence on individual behavior choices.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'social capital' in the context of SNT?

Features of social structures that act as resources for people and facilitate collective action. Signup and view all the answers

What type of support involves providing help in a tangible way?

Instrumental support Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an application of Social Network Theory?

Infectious disease epidemiology Signup and view all the answers

The core infection model for social networks among black MSM shows interactions within a population that has higher rates of both and .

STI; HIV infection Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is meant by 'social support.'

Types of supportive behaviors aimed at helping individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a bridge in disjoint populations?

It connects different groups, facilitating interactions between them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health and social well-being are interconnected through social networks.
Mechanisms influencing health include social support, social influence, engagement, pathogen exposure, resource access, and biological factors.

Represented as nodes (individuals) and ties (relationships).
A social network visually maps these ties among the nodes.

Diagram Representation

Nodes are illustrated as points, while ties are the lines connecting them.

Highlights the significance of relationships over the characteristics of individuals.
Offers insight into the structure and dynamics of networks rather than focusing solely on individual behaviors.

Size: Total number of members.
Density: Extent of direct connections between members.
Connectivity: Links existing either directly or indirectly.
Boundedness: The variety of social contexts represented in ties.
Homogeneity: Similarity among connected members.
Geodesic distance: Shortest connection path between nodes.
Centralization: Dependence of the network on a few key individuals.
Cohesion: Resilience of the network despite the loss of ties.

Useful in infectious disease epidemiology.
Analyzes effects of social relationships on behavior and vice versa.
Evaluates levels of social capital and dynamics within organizations.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Critiques traditional epidemiological models — random mixing is not accurate for STIs due to partner selection.
Highlights network interactions influencing STI and HIV spread, particularly among Black MSM communities.

Illustrates complex interaction patterns and their implications for transmission.

Inverse Core Model

Depicts commercial sex worker dynamics where customers interact with them but remain unconnected to other workers.

Bridging Disjoint Populations

Describes networks where individuals connect distinct communities, exemplified by drug users linking to non-drug using populations.

Spanning Tree Model

Characterized by minimal cycles, low redundancy, and an open structure.

Concurrency in Networks

Indicates that STIs spread through interactive networks with short geographic distances.

Adimora's Research Findings

Investigated rural South areas with high HIV rates showing extensive sexual concurrency and dense networks.
Socioeconomic factors such as discrimination and segregation exacerbate the transmission risk.

Focuses on interpersonal connections that shape cultural perceptions and behaviors.

Social networks can affirm or change personal behaviors, affecting choices regarding health, relationships, and lifestyle.

Influence of Individual Behavior

Behavior change in one individual can significantly impact the network, as seen in weight-loss interventions.

Represents resources derived from social structures, enabling collective action through trust, assistance, and reciprocity.

Organizational Dynamics in SNT

Analyzes interactions and connections between organizations and employees to understand informal networks and structures.

Four categories: emotional support, instrumental support, informational support, and appraisal support, all intended to help.

Description

This quiz explores the principles of Social Network Theory (SNT) and its impact on health through interconnectedness. It covers various mechanisms by which social networks influence well-being, including social support, engagement, and access to resources. Test your knowledge with these flashcards!