Questions and Answers
What does Social Network Theory (SNT) emphasize?
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?
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What influences the likelihood of patterns contributing to HIV spread according to Adimora's research?
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Social networks have no influence on individual behavior choices.
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What is meant by 'social capital' in the context of SNT?
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What type of support involves providing help in a tangible way?
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Which of the following is an application of Social Network Theory?
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The core infection model for social networks among black MSM shows interactions within a population that has higher rates of both ______ and ______.
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Explain what is meant by 'social support.'
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What is the role of a bridge in disjoint populations?
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Study Notes
Social Network Theory (SNT)
- 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.
Social Relationships
- 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.
Purpose of Social Network Theory
- 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.
Characteristics of Social Networks
- 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.
Applications of Social Network Theory
- 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.
Social Network Models of Infection
- 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.
Micro-level Social Networks
- Focuses on interpersonal connections that shape cultural perceptions and behaviors.
Influence of Social Relationships
- 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.
Social Capital in SNT
- 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.
Types of Social Support
- Four categories: emotional support, instrumental support, informational support, and appraisal support, all intended to help.
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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!