Social Network Theory Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does degree centrality measure in a network?

The average distance of a node to all other nodes

The total weighted number of paths reaching a node

The number of incoming or outgoing linkages of a node (correct)

The connections of a node to third actors

Which type of centrality indicates how a node serves as a bridge between pairs of nodes?

Closeness centrality

Between centrality (correct)

Degree centrality

Structural equivalence

What is a characteristic of cohesive subgroups within social networks?

They are solely based on structural equivalence

They represent disconnected nodes within the network

They consist of actors with strong and frequent ties (correct)

They are formed by actors with weak ties to each other

What is the primary aim of statistical models for social networks?

To account for network dependencies Signup and view all the answers

Which method is considered more appropriate for studying inter-organizational networks?

Documentary research Signup and view all the answers

What does status measure in a network context?

The total weighted number of paths leading to a node Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common challenge in social network analysis?

The independence of observations assumption Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes structural equivalence in social networks?

Being connected to the same third actors in a similar manner Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of networks as a form of governance?

Reducing transaction costs Signup and view all the answers

Which theory focuses on the establishment and maintenance of connections among individuals?

Homophily theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended unit of analysis in network theory?

Networks themselves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an important aspect of network structure analysis?

Understanding the flow of information within the network Signup and view all the answers

In social capital theories, what is the primary focus when discussing individual relationships?

The strength and reciprocity of ties Signup and view all the answers

What intervention might be appropriate for stabilizing organizational relationships?

Developing robust dyadic relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic aspect of relational data collection methods?

Documenting interactions among individuals Signup and view all the answers

In statistical models of social networks, what key element is often analyzed?

Patterns of interactions and ties Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Safety Houses network?

Creating a joint treatment plan for multi-problem families Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is crucial for understanding social networks according to the key assumptions presented?

Interdependence of actors Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data focuses on the properties of research objects in network analysis?

Attribute data Signup and view all the answers

What defines the nominalist approach in network boundary specification?

Boundaries rely on criteria defined by the researcher Signup and view all the answers

Which model allows for the analysis of ties linking actors within a network?

Dyadic model Signup and view all the answers

Which period saw the introduction of the sociometric approach in social psychology?

1930s Signup and view all the answers

What type of network structure includes sets of links that can either be present or absent?

Complete network Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of social networks influences individuals' opportunities and constraints?

Position within the network Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Exploring the Field

Setting the stage: Draw your ego-network (you, family, 5 closest friends). Examine relationships (e.g., Person A knows Person B).
Rationale: Performance feedback is crucial, as shown in Greve (1998) US Radio broadcasting industry. Factors like peer performance and historical aspiration affect performance.
Course introduction: Students gain knowledge of inter-organizational concepts and theories. Learning includes quantitative/qualitative measurements related to networks and relational theories. Also includes analyzing network data via R, comparing inter-organizational theories, and formulating policies based on empirical results. This course also covers English communication abilities applicable to the theoretical and empirical aspects.

What is a network?: Networks are patterns of interaction. Roger Brown described patterns in insect colonies and social structures.
Case example: Safety Houses, crime prevention program with social service partners; operational goal: joint treatment, societal goal: reduce recidivism/crime.
History of social network analysis: Simmel, the basis of social theory; Moreno and Jennings’ sociometric approach; Roethlisberger, Mayo, and others’ use of networks in HR; Computerized analysis becoming more common in the 1970s; a well-established academic field today.

What is social capital?: An advantage created by an actor's advantageous connections. Social capital helps accomplish goals by linking individuals.
Ego network: A network of relationships centered around oneself. IORs (inter-organizational relationships) and networks are part of this.
Closure/Brokerage: concepts that contribute to the effectiveness of social structures.

Lecture 4: Network Primitives

Network primitives: Concepts like nodes, ties (connections), and structure are essential. Analyzing change in uncertainty within a network is possible due to shifts in ties and connections across actors.
Causes and Consequences of Change in Tie Relations: Networks fluctuate based on changes in environment/resources.

Lecture 5: Network Innovation

Innovation policy and the role of collaboration: Policies and norms influence the structure of networks and innovation outcomes.
Small world structure: Analysis of interconnectedness in network structures, relationships between collaborators, and what creates potential for innovation is important.
Positioning Manna (2019): A framework to understand the relationships between individuals, dyads, subnetworks, and overall networks, to describe and analyze the formation of new consortia and repeated collaborative ties within these units.

Lecture 6: Management and Effectiveness of Networks I

Network effectiveness: Achieving positive outcomes not attainable via individual actions. Various factors (structural/contextual) are involved in effectiveness.
Evaluation criteria: Important factors include stakeholders, understanding organizational goals, and using broad and aggregate indicators to evaluate.

Lecture 7: Management and Effectiveness of Networks II

Cross sector partnerships (CSPs): Intensive, long-term collaborations involving organizations in different sectors (business, government, civil society) for social or environmental problem solving.
CSP Challenges: Examples such as issues of coordinating/ managing various time constraints and power imbalances within the collaboration.

Other Lectures:

Lecture 8(possible): This section covers other relevant topics including but not limited to, co-creation paradigm, conceptual frameworks, and research approaches, including quantitative and qualitative elements, used to analyze cases/results.
Cases (throughout): The presentations also include specific industry cases (e.g., Building & Construction, Safety Houses, Garment, etc.). Analyzing these specific cases adds contextual, real-world examples and considerations for network analysis.
Methodological details (throughout): The lectures introduce specific research methodologies in practice, including surveys, interviews, archival data, and experiments, for studying and analyzing relational data.
Paradoxes within networks (throughout): Understanding and addressing conflicting or contradictory aspects of relationships and strategies within collaborative networks.
Theoretical frameworks/models (throughout): Introduction of theoretical frameworks and models (e.g., Social Capital, Closure, Brokerage, Network Effectiveness, etc.) are key for conceptual understandings.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of social network theory, including centrality measures, cohesive subgroups, and the roles of networks in governance. This quiz covers essential theories and methods used in social network analysis and their applications. Challenge your understanding and see how well you grasp the intricate dynamics within social networks!