Network density

In the network density is a measure of social network analysis . Density is defined as the ratio of the existing relationships to the maximum number of possible relationships. It can have a value between 0% (= there are no relationships) and 100% (= there is the maximum possible number of relationships).

The network density can be defined mathematically - as seen above. ${\displaystyle D}$

The density of a network can be calculated both for the entire network and for individual parts of a network. It has been assumed (since Elizabeth Bott ), among other things, that mutual social control is stronger in a denser network . The density is also an indicator of the activity in a network. Social control is strongest with (e.g. in a clique ) ( close-knit network ) and weakest ( loose-knit network , cluster ). "Partial strong links (tangles, clusters ) give up demarcation and analysis problems." (Clausen 2007, p. 456) ${\displaystyle D=1}$ ${\displaystyle D=0}$

See also

• Network poverty
• Density (disambiguation)
• SocialRank

literature

• Lars Clausen : Network density. In: Werner Fuchs-Heinritz u. a. (Ed.): Lexicon of Sociology. 4th edition. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden 2007, p. 456.
• Jansen, D. 2006 for the first time 1999: Introduction to network analysis: basics, methods, research examples. Wiesbaden.
• Ricken, B. / Seidl, D .: Invisible Networks. How social network analysis can be used for companies. Wiesbaden 2010.