32.012 - PDC20: Social Network Modeling

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

Social Network Modeling is a 4-hour workshop during we will introduce methods for analyzing and modeling social network data using the open source software R, focusing on the multiple network data common in education. We first will provide a brief introduction to R, then social network analysis in general and discuss social network models. We will introduce a multilevel social network models and discuss goodness of fit. Much of the workshop will include hands-on practice, analyzing real world data and fitting models in R.

This workshop is targeted for participants interested in learning about social network models and is appropriate for researchers at any stage in their career, students included. We recommend that participants be familiar with R and fitting statistical models although previous experience with social network analysis is needed.

Course content includes several short lectures mixed with practice with R code: an introduction to R, an introduction to social network analysis, practice analyzing a single social network in R, review of social network models and introduction to hierarchical network models, and practice fitting social network models to multiple networks in R. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of quantitative methods available for analyzing social networks as well as the current state of model capabilities, R code for analyzing their own networks and fitting network models.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Director

• Tracy Sweet, University of Maryland - College Park

Instructor

• Tracy Sweet, University of Maryland - College Park