7th Conference on Applications of Social Network Analysis

Call for Papers

7^th Conference on Applications of Social Network Analysis

Zurich, Switzerland, September 15-17, 2010

ETH Zurich & University of Zurich

Keynotes by

Thomas W. Valente, University of Southern California

Frans N. Stokman, University of Groningen

Workshops on

SIENA by Tom A.B. Snijders & Johan Koskinen, University of Oxford

visone by Ulrik Brandes & Jürgen Lerner, University of Konstanz

SNA and Behavior Change by Tomas W. Valente, University of Southern California

Conference Theme: Dynamics of Social Networks

The 7^th Conference on Applications of Social Network Analysis (ASNA) has the goal to assess the state of the field and discuss current developments and innovations in social network research. As for the previous years, ASNA 2010 will primarily provide an interdisciplinary venue with focus on applications of social network analysis. However, submissions on theoretical and methodological issues are also welcome. There are no limitations with respect of scientific disciplines and research questions. However, contributors are especially encouraged to address the conference topic of “dynamics of social networks”.

Social network analysis (SNA) suggests broadening the focus from individual actors to a set of actors and the relations among them. Hence, the characteristic paradigm of SNA is to include “the context” to understand phenomena’s in various scientific disciplines like sociology, political science, communication science, social psychology, anthropology, economics, biology, physics, and others. In recent years increasing awareness arises that “the context” also includes a temporal dimension. Hence, it is of interest whether and how the structure of a network is dependent on previous structures or which future dynamics can be assumed to happen based on a given network. Also most cross sectional research include implicit assumptions about dynamic processes of networks. Hence, contributors are encouraged to reflect on this issue even though they might not use longitudinal data.

Since the mid 1990ies both 2010 ASNA keynote speakers have contributed significantly to describe and understand dynamics of social networks. We invite people to reflect their work and discuss it throughout the venue.

Keynotes

Thomas W. Valente is Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Health Program at the University of Southern California, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine. He is well known for his book on „Network models of the diffusion of innovations“ (2005) and his great engagement for the international network community (INSNA). He has organized several Sunbelt conferences and is editor of the Journal „Connections“

Frans N. Stokman is Professor of Social Science Research Methodology at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. He is the winner of the 2004 Georg Simmel Award and is well known for his work on policy networks and collective decision making.

Workshops

Social Network Approaches for Behavior Change

Tomas W. Valente, University of Southern California

This workshop will be conducted in 2 sections. Section 1 will review existing evidence for the utility of using social network data for behavior change in a variety of settings including health behaviors and organizational performance. We present a typology of such efforts. Section 2 will demonstrate existing software programs for implementing social network interventions. The workshop will be conducted by Tom Valente who has developing and implementing network based interventions for over 10 years.

visone – Analysis and Visualization of Social Networks

Ulrik Brandes & Jürgen Lerner, University of Konstanz

This is a hands-on introduction to visone, a graphically oriented software tool that combines comprehensive means for analysis with unique visualization capabilities. After a brief introduction to its design and features, we will explore some of the core functionality of visone using exemplary network analyses; step-by-step from data input to presentation of results. Some elementary knowledge of social network analysis is required for this workshop, and it is advisable to bring a laptop running Windows, MacOS, or Linux. visone (ital.: mink) is written in Java and freely available from www.visone.info. It features many standard and non-standard methods for analysis and visualization of networks, and a powerful graphical user interface. It’s native file format is GraphML, allowing for arbitrarily many attributes of nodes, links, and networks, but other formats such as CSV tables, UCINet DL, Pajek .net, etc., can be imported. Visualizations can be exported as pdf, png, tiff, svg, or Windows metafiles.

The Analysis of Longitudinal Social Network Data using SIENA

Tom A.B. Snijders & Johan Koskinen, University of Oxford

The workshop will give an introduction to statistical modeling of longitudinal network data and demonstrate the basics of using the RSiena program. Attention will be paid to the underlying statistical methodology, to examples, and to the use of the software. The first session (Wednesday morning) is intended for those without previous experience with this method, and will focus on the intuitive understanding of the model and operation of the software. The second session (Wednesday afternoon) is intended for those with previous experience with the method and the software, and also for those who followed the first session. It will present models for the simultaneous dynamics of networks and behavior and other more advanced topics such as model specification, multivariate networks, structurally determined values, and goodness of fit checking.

To get maximal profit out of the workshop, participants are advised to bring a laptop with a recent version of R installed. No previous knowledge of R is necessary. It will be possible to register only for one or both sessions of the workshop.

Submission, Presentation, and Registration

ASNA 2010 accepts two different kinds of submission types. The two formats differ with respect to submission criteria, presentation and discussion time, and consideration for publication. Both types require the submission of an extended abstract (700-1’000 words) by June 1, and receive notice of acceptance by June 13, 2010. If you submit a full paper (15-30 pages, double spaced) you will automatically be assigned to a full paper presentation. You will benefit from a longer presentation time (20 min), a discussion by a respondent (5 min) and an extended timeslot for the discussion in the panel (5 min) which totals to 30 minutes. Only full paper presented at the conference will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings (book or journal format).

Submission deadline: June 1, 2010

Conference and workshop registration deadline: July 31, 2010

About ASNA

Further information about ASNA 2010 (and previous conferences) can be found on the conference website: www.asna.ch

Organizing Committee

Thomas N. Friemel, U of Zurich, Institute of Mass Communication and Media Research

Christian Hirschi, ETH Zurich, Institute for Environmental Decisions

Karin Ingold, ETH Zurich, Institute for Environmental Decisions

Uwe Serdült, U of Zurich, Centre for Democracy Aarau

Contact: info@asna.ch