LINKS Center 2022 Summer Workshop: Introduction to Social Network Analysis

The LINKS Center for Social Network Analysis at the University of Kentucky offers a workshop on social network analysis (SNA) every summer. In ordinary years, this is held in-person with multiple simultaneous tracks and more than 25 instructors and TAs.  This year, however, we are offering four synchronous online tracks conducted via Zoom. With limited exceptions noted below, each track meets on 3-5 days for four to four and a half hours a day. We are also offering a limited number of non-technical one-on-one consultations with experienced research faculty to discuss your individual project(s). The tracks are as follows:

Track 1. Introduction to Social Network Analysis - June 6, 7, 8

Led by  Dan Brass, Rich DeJordy and Dan Halgin, this course provides a basic introduction to the theory and method of network research.  Topics include theoretical perspectives, social capital, and the nuts and bolts of doing a network analysis using UCINET and Netdraw software (both Windows programs). Starting June 6, it meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am EDT and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (12 contact hours) and provides homework assignments and access to TAs.  The course costs $1500 ($750 for students). More details ...

Track 2. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (UCINET) - June 13, 14, 15, 16

Taught by Steve Borgatti,  this is a more technical and in-depth workshop focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. UCINET for Windows software is used extensively. The course meets four times starting June 13: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,  and Thursday 10:00am-12:00pm EDT and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (16 contact hours). After each class, students work on homework assignments with the help of the TAs.  The course costs $1500 ($750 for students). More details ...

Track 3. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (R) - June 9, 10, 13, 14, 16

Taught by Filip Agneessens and Francisco Trincado-Munoz. Like Track 2, this is a more technical and in-depth workshop than the intro workshop, focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. This workshop uses the software package R, rather than UCINET. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. The course meets five times across two weeks starting June 9 with each instructional day consisting of two sessions: 10:00am-12:15pm EDT and 12:45pm-3:00pm EDT (22.5 contact hours). Participants will receive homework, which includes running analyses and interpreting results, and which they can perform in small groups of 2 or 3. These results are then discussed at the next meeting.  The course costs $2000 ($1000 for students). More details ...

Track 4. Stochastic Models of Networks - June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 (pm only), 29 (pm only)

Taught by Filip Agneessens and Robert Krause, this course covers ERGMs and SAOMs, two families of statistical models used to model the presence or absence of ties. While the course is introductory, prior familiarity with both statistics and network analysis is strongly advised. Starting after Track 2 and Track 3 finish, the course meets six days (22.5 contact hours), across two weeks, starting June 20. The course aims to be interactive, using breakout sessions for the exercises and time between classes to consolidate knowledge. Participants will receive homework involving running further analyses and interpreting result. The homework can be performed in small groups of 2 or 3. These results are then discussed at the next meeting. The course costs $2000 ($1000 for students). More details ...

Registration

Registration is open now, and will remain open until 48 hours prior to the start of each track or when the track reaches capacity. Registrants may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start of their track(s).  Students receive a 50% discount.  Additional (half price) discounts are available for members of the University of Kentucky community.  

Software

It is useful to install the software before the workshop, so that you can get any difficulties ironed out. Please visit oursoftware page.

Contact

The website for this workshop is https://www.linksworkshop.org/.  If you have any questions, please contact Scott Soltis <scott.m.soltis@uky.edu>.  In addition, visit your specific track to get contact information for your instructors and TAs.