Social Network Analysis: Building Web-Based Applications for Experiential Learning

Steve McDonald, PhD
Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professor of Sociology
University Faculty Scholar
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
North Carolina State University

Social network analysis (SNA) refers to the study of connections between social units. It reveals how power, identity, and social change are derived from and transformed by the character and structure of interpersonal relationships. While the method is regularly taught as an advanced technique for graduate-level instruction, educators have underestimated the accessibility and impact of SNA for undergraduate learning. In this presentation, I provide a brief overview of key SNA concepts, theories, and analytic approaches. Then I describe a new pedagogy for entry-level understanding SNA through the use of interactive web-based applications. Session participants will have an opportunity to work hands-on with these "Shiny" apps, which allow learners to easily explore social network dynamics while also providing a learning pathway into intermediate coding experiences in R and RStudio.