Network research
Numerous scientific disciplines deal
with network research, e. B. Political Science , Sociology , Psychology and Computer Science . Due to this interdisciplinary approach, different issues are pursued, so that different levels of analysis and aggregation can be distinguished within network research.
The Prosopographical Network deals with the networking and interaction of historical persons.
Network research in computer science
In computer science, in particular, some of the deals graph theory with the network theory (English network theory ). There are applications in numerous disciplines, e.g. B. Biology, Economics and Sociology. In network research, graphs are analyzed as representatives of relationships between objects to be examined. Specifically, logistical problems are examined, the World Wide Web , protein-protein interactions , social networks, etc.
Network research in social networks
Network and social support research began in the 1970s, and since then reference can be made to a steady development of theory. Psychosocial counseling was able to develop its own approach alongside psychotherapy through a specific resource and living environment orientation . The promoting potentials of social relationships are empirically processed through social network research or social support research . The focus is on the integrative functions and protective functions that social networks take on for people. Social support takes place through social relationship systems in which supportive, regulative, as well as controlling and conflictual dimensions can be perceived. Social support from the relationship system promotes stress management and thus also helps to maintain and develop health and well-being. Research shows that people are better at coping with living conditions if they have access to social support. US scientific research has shown that social networks can act like a social immune system; the function of social support as a stress buffer is described. Due to the international progress in social network and support research, usable concepts and models are available. The starting point of the research is the question of how social support can be promoted where it is not developed. The aims and benefits of the research are to develop new intervention strategies and concepts for the areas of clinical-psychological and community-psychological action, which can be combined with the practice of health sciences , social work and social education .
The analysis levels (micro, meso and macro level) provide information on whether an individual , an organization or relationships between organizations are the focus of consideration. The aggregation levels ( dyad , triad , group, etc.), on the other hand, differentiate how many actors , namely whether two, several or all actors in a network are the object of investigation.
Analysis levels of network research
Within network research, a distinction is made between three levels of analysis, the micro, meso and macro level.
Micro level
At the micro level , the focus is on the individual as an actor within a network. Individuals and their relationships with other people are examined. B. within a family or workgroup . In organizational network research, this level is referred to as the intra-organizational network .
Meso level
At the meso level (organizational network) organizations, companies, authorities or even municipalities are included. The focus here is on viewing groups as actors and not on individuals as on the micro level. A mesosystem comprises the interrelationships between the areas of life in which a person is actively involved. In one or more areas of life, events can occur that affect what happens in the area of life of a developing person.
Macro level
At the macro level, it is about the relationships between organizations (inter-organizational network). Examples of this are strategic alliances, global society, federal-state relationships or international relationships. There is a mutual influence between the levels. Influences of individuals and groups on organizations are called micro-influences, while organizations on individuals are called macro-influences.
Levels of aggregation in network research
In addition to differentiating at which level actors are examined, different aggregation levels can also be considered, namely whether two, several or all actors in a network are the subject of investigation. Actors can be individuals, groups and organizations.
Dyad
The focus is on the relationship between two actors . It represents the basic unit of every network analysis.
Triad
The relationship between three actors is considered.
Self-centered network
This includes all relationships from an actor's perspective . The focal actor is referred to as the ego , the other actors to whom the focal actor has relationships are referred to as age .
group
Egocentric data from several actors are available.
Overall network
The objects of investigation are all relationships between a delimited set of actors.
Scientific research perspectives in network research
In network research, two scientific research perspectives can be distinguished.
In the structural perspective , the focus is on patterns of relationships. For example, behavior, attitudes, beliefs and other outcome variables are assigned to the network form, i.e. via the position of an actor in his own network. Structural information can be accessed through questions such as: B. "List the people you ask for advice in your work", i.e. questions whose answers generate names ( name generators ).
In the relational perspective , on the other hand, the focus is on the content of relationships (e.g. friendship, kinship). Relative information is obtained through questions whose answers generate substantive knowledge, e.g. B. “How often do you speak to the people you have named” ( name interpreters ).
See also
literature
- JAC Baum (Ed.): The Blackwell Companion to Organizations . Blackwell Publishing, Oxford 2005.
- R. Gulati, D. Dialdin, L. Wang: Chapt. 12: Organizational Networks . Pp. 281-303.
- Frank Nestmann: Promote network information and social support: Effectiveness and maxims of sustainability. In: Ullrich Otto, Petra Bauer: Working together professionally with networks . Vol. 1 Social networks in life course and life situation perspective, dgvt-Verlag, Tübingen 2005, pp. 131–156.
- Richard E. Pearson: Advice and Social Networking. A learning and practical guide to promote social support. Beltz, Weinheim 1997.
- H. Raider, DJ Krackhardt: Chapt. 2: Intraorganizational Networks . Pp. 58-74.
- RR: Chapt. 22: Interorganizational Networks . Pp. 520-540.
- Hening Laux: Sociology in the Age of Composition. Coordinates of an integrative network theory. Velbrück, Weilerswist 2014.
Web links
- Netwiki Scientific wiki on network research
Individual evidence
- ^ Introduction by Marten Düring.
- ^ Pearson, RE (1997): Counseling and Social Networks. A learning and practical guide to promote social support. Weinheim: Beltz.
- ^ Nestmann, Frank (2005): Promoting network information and social support: Effectiveness and maxims of sustainability. in: Otto, Ullrich & Bauer, Petra (2005): Working together professionally with networks. Vol. 1 Social networks in life course and life situation perspective, pp. 131–156, Tübingen: dgvt-Verlag.