Social Network Research in Community Psychology: Theory, Methods, and Applications

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Social network theory posits that an individual’s beliefs and behaviors are, in part, determined by the structure of their social relationships. Conceptually, we think of a social network as a map of relationships within a social group. Empirically, a network can be straightforwardly measured by asking group members to name others as relationship partners. The network paradigm enables researchers to examine environmental and contextual factors have been absent from traditional first-order models that identify problems as resting solely within individuals. Further, the use of social networks in Community Psychology provides a lens for understanding contextual influences on behavior and behavioral influences on context.
This presentation examines social networks as both theoretical and empirical entities, while illustrating several applications for social network methodologies in Community Psychology. Our panelists will cover a number of topics, including: using social network theory to examine a framework for social change organizations to enhance relational capacity; using GIS and network data in an evaluation of a campaign to increase public awareness of child maltreatment and protective factors that can prevent maltreatment; and examining high school students’ online communication patterns among three different YPAR projects operating in three diverse, and distinct urban schools. Presenters will seek to engage audience members in a discussion of the ways that setting cultures develop, are maintained, and are extended to new individuals, and how this process can influence personal and intervention attempts to refashion personal and organizational networks to support a variety of changes in goals, beliefs, and behaviors.

Sub Unit

• SCRA Biennial Meeting

Discussant

• Leonard Jason, DePaul University

Presenters

• Mariah Kornbluh, Michigan State University

• Gina Cardazone, JBS International

• Charles Collins, University of Washington-Bothell Campus