Master
2024/2025
Working with Network Data
Category 'Best Course for Broadening Horizons and Diversity of Knowledge and Skills'
Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Type:
Compulsory course (Data Analytics and Social Statistics)
Area of studies:
Applied Mathematics and Informatics
Delivered by:
International Laboratory for Applied Network Research
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
2 year, 1-3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of one campus
Master’s programme:
Applied Statistics with Network Analysis
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This research seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the methodologies and tools for working with network data in social sciences. The course covers the entire research cycle, from design to analysis and visualization, with a focus on the unique aspects of network-based research. Participants will explore fundamental network concepts, different types of network data, and methods for data collection, including surveys and qualitative approaches.
Key topics include data preparation, handling missing data, and applying social network analysis (SNA) techniques to derive meaningful insights. The course also emphasizes best practices for network data visualization and introduces popular SNA software tools. Ethical considerations in network research are addressed to ensure responsible conduct.
Designed for researchers and students, this seminar combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, equipping participants with the skills to design, execute, and interpret network-based studies effectively. By the end of the course, attendees will be proficient in leveraging network analysis to address complex research questions in social sciences.
Learning Objectives
- The aim of the Research seminar is to equip students with the skills to collect, prepare, analyze, and visualize network data, as well as to apply social network analysis (SNA) methods for addressing research questions in the social sciences. The course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of network-based research design, ethical considerations, and practical tools for data-driven insights.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Be able to develop and/or foster critical reviewing skills of published empirical research using applied statistical methods.
- Have basic academic writing skills in both English and Russian.
- Have oral presentation skills.
- Know the most recent advances in network science and applied statistics.
- Be able to understand the basic steps of the research process.
- Know the requirements and guidelines of scientific publishing both in Russia and abroad.
- Know topics, terminology, and principles of scientific research methods.
- Be able to to criticize constructively and determine existing issues with applied linear models in published work.
Course Contents
- Research design in social sciences
- Network-based research design
- Types of network data
- Network data collection
- Network data preparation
- Network data analysis
- Network data visualization
- SNA software
- Ethics and integrity in network-based research
Assessment Elements
- Homeworks8 consequtive homeworks on the materials of the research seminar
- Final Project
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Doing social network research : network-based research design for social scientists, Robins, G., 2015
- Nooy, W. de, Batagelj, V., & Mrvar, A. (2011). Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek: Vol. Rev. and expanded 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.
- Nooy, W. de, Mrvar, A., & Batagelj, V. (2005). Exploratory Social Network Analysis with Pajek. New York: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=138973
- Research methods in social relations, Hoyle, R. H., 2002
- The SAGE Handbook of Social Network Analysis, , 2011
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Brewerton, P., & Millward, L. (2001). Organizational Research Methods : A Guide for Students and Researchers. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=251199
- Bryman, A. (1989). Research Methods and Organization Studies. London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=97175
- Maruyama, G., & Ryan, C. S. (2014). Research Methods in Social Relations (Vol. 8th ed). Malden, Mass: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=798826
- Sword, H. (2012). Stylish Academic Writing. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=464125