In the last three lectures, Pro. Chan demonstrated
the definition of SNA. Social Network Analysis is the study of the pattern of
interaction between actors, which is simplified as SNA. In SNA, Social network
is formally defined as a set of social actors, or nodes, members that are
connected by one or more types of relations.
We must admit that the mathematics is used
for all kinds of areas. The knowledge of matrix is used for SNA to calculate
some indexes to represent the features of a social network.
The matrix used in social network analysis
is called the adjacency matrix or sociomatrix. The sociomatrix is applied to
represent the interaction among all actors. Of course, according to the
lecture, the same social network can be explained by several means, such as the
matrix, relation graph or table. I will give the example to show different
explanation means represent the same social network.
1、Matrix representation:
2、Graph representation:
3、Table representation:
In the lecture, Pro. Chan gave us two
indexes of centrality and prestige. The centrality and the prestige are used to
elaborate the actor’s interaction, importance and other features. As Pro. Chan
said, actors with centrality are those that are extensively involved in
relationships with other actors. Here the relationship with other actors is
emphasized. Also, actor with prestige is the one who is the recipient of
extensive ties. Here the recipient is emphasized. These are used to
distinguished the concepts between the centrality and the prestige. And
centrality contains degree centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness
centrality. Prestige contains degree prestige, proximity prestige and rank
prestige.
Usually a social network’s relationship
graph can be converted into a matrix. And the centrality index and the prestige
index can be worked out according to the matrix and some formulas. And then we
can judge the features according to these values.
Thank you for the explanation of the adjacency matrix or socio matrix in your article in detail. It presents an easier deducing process of socio matrix which is a useful tool to analyze the social networking. Just as you say, “interdisciplinary application is important to solve the problem”. It is a common method to analyze the issues from one discipline science but using another one, whether in social networking or other fields. Therefore, we would recognize this point and apply it in future research.
回复删除Thank you for your reply.
删除More knowledge I learn, more apparently I find the math is everywhere. In my university, I study the Fourier transformer in my signal and system processing, telecommunication principle and other courses relative to signal processing.
So I admire you who have so much knowledge about the maths and can understand the knowledge more easily than me.
Good summery. Your explanation on "prestige" is quite helpful.
回复删除Thank you for your reply.
删除Thank you for showing us the examples of different explanation means representing the same social network,and the two indexes,centrality and prestige,are quite helpful for us to do social network analysis.
回复删除Thank you for your reply.
删除you refine the structure and basic knowledge of SNA splendidly. Espeically, this article shows me the remarkable differences between three representations of social networks - Matrix representation, Graph representation and Table representation. In my opinion, Matrix representation is a better representation than the other two, for it is more concise and precise.
回复删除And I share the same viewpoint that SNA as an interdisciplinary application is important to solve the problem.
Yeah, you'r right. I also think the matrix representation is the best representation method.
删除The matrix representation can show the SNA condition precisely and concisely. Also it is convenient to calculate the parameters for the system using matrix representation. Many types of system are simplified when they are translated into matrix. So how useful maths is!
Your explanation means of representing the same social network is quiet good that I can easily contrast those differences.
回复删除Besides, you mentioned the concept of centrality and prestige which play important role in the SNA. From your redefinition, I have some review and reflection about these lectures' content.
Thank you for your sharing!
Yeah, maybe only if put these three kinds of representation together, it can be found the differences and the common features straight.
删除And the table representation is the same to the matrix one extremely. But it's obvious that the matrix one is more convenient to write than the table one and shows the system situation more visually than the graph one.
So matrix one is encouraged to adopt as the representation of a system.
What a nice illustration! =) Nicely done!
回复删除Listed this way, it's easier to cross compare these three methods indeed. Thanks Bella.
Thank you for your reply.
删除Just as you say, mathematics is used for all kinds of areas. That'a the reason why I'm always loving mathematics best. We have learnt about such graphs, matrix, and tables in many different areas. And it's nice to meet our familiar tools applied in a new area ~
回复删除Yeah, maths is so useful in many areas. And the maths itself has many areas. And recently I found most courses of IE department is relative to the linear maths, especially matrix.
删除And I'm also happy to find the maths that we have studied for more than ten years applied into new areas.
Thank you for showing us the three representation of social network analysis. Three examples are quite useful and easy to understand. You also mention degree centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality, which are very important in social network analysis. thanks for your sharing.
回复删除It is good to have 3 representations to illustrate the social network. To me, the graphical representation would be the easiest to learn and memorize. However, I think the essay should also mention a bit about how these 3 representations can be transformed to each other. This would make the essay even better.
回复删除Thank you for your listing out of the three kinds of ways to process SNA, which are matrix, graphs and tables. In fact, different ways have different functions in expressing. Such as the table you listed, active and passive behaviors may involve in the table. I admired your conclusion that Centrality emphasizes on the relationship with other actors while Prestige emphasizes on recipient in an overall relationship. And I want to point out that whether the “Social Network’s Relationship Graph” you mentioned in your blog can be just called as sociogram?
回复删除Hi~ you make a good sharing on social matrix and social graph analysis! good job and thank you for you clearly summary!
回复删除I agree with your point that interdisciplinary application is very important. And your representation on social network are useful. Looking forward for deep discussion with you.
回复删除All of three representations, I think the table representation is the most clear one. And the one which is most helpful when apply in math field.
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