LINKS 2023

Introduction

The LINKS Center for Social Network Analysis at the University of Kentucky offers a series of workshops on social network analysis (SNA) every summer, usually in June.  This year we are offering four synchronous online workshops (conducted over Zoom).  Each workshop meets for 3 to 5 days for about four hours a day (not including optional extra sessions in some of the workshops). There is also access to a limited number of non-technical one-on-one consultations with experienced research faculty to discuss your individual project(s). The workshops and dates are shown below.

Track 1. Introduction to Social Network Analysis - May 31 - June 2, 2023 (9:30-11:30am and 12:30-2:30pm, ET)

Led by  Dan Brass, Rich DeJordy and Dan Halgin, this course provides a basic introduction to the theory and method of network research.  Topics include theoretical perspectives, social capital, and the nuts and bolts of doing a network analysis using UCINET and NetDraw software (both Windows programs). Starting May 31, it meets Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30am-11:30am ET (New York time) and 12:30pm-2:30pm ET (12 contact hours) and provides homework assignments and access to TAs.  The course costs $1500 ($750 for students). More details ...

Track 2. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (UCINET) - June 5-9, 2023 (10:00-12:00pm and 12:45-2:45pm, ET)

Taught by Steve Borgatti,  this is a more technical and in-depth workshop focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, with particular emphasis on relating network measures to research goals. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in a research context. UCINET for Windows software is used extensively. The course starts Monday June 5th and runs through Friday June 9th. The hours are 10:00am-12:00pm ET and 12:45pm-2:45pm ET each day. The fifth day is led by the TAs.  Although we don't use the R, the course is closely tied to the book Analyzing Social Networks Using R by Borgatti, Everett, Johnson and Agneessens (2022). The course costs $1800 ($900 for students).  More details ... 

Track 3. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (R) - June 5-9, 2023 (10:00-12:00pm and 12:45-2:45pm, ET)

Taught by Filip Agneessens and Francisco Trincado-Munoz. Like Track 2, this is a more technical and in-depth workshop than the intro workshop, focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. This workshop uses specialized R packages, such as igraph, sna and xUCINET, rather than Windows UCINET .  Basic familiarity with R is helpful but not required. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. The course is designed to be accompanied by the book Analyzing Social Networks Using R by Borgatti, Everett, Johnson and Agneessens (2022). The course meets five times starting June 5 with each instructional day consisting of two sessions: 10:00am-12:15pm ET and 12:45pm-3:00pm ET. Participants will receive homework, which includes running analyses and interpreting results, and which they can work on in small groups of 2 or 3. These results are then discussed at the next meeting.  The course costs $1800 ($900 for students). More details ... 

Track 4. Stochastic Models of Networks - June 12-16, 2023 (10:00-12:00am; 12:45-2:45pm; and 3:30-5pm, ET)

Taught by Robert Krause, this course covers ERGMs and SAOMs, two families of statistical models used to model the presence or absence of ties. While the course is introductory, prior familiarity with both statistics and network analysis is strongly advised. The course aims to be interactive, using breakout sessions for the exercises and time between classes to consolidate knowledge. Participants will receive homework involving running further analyses and interpreting result. The homework can be performed in small groups of 2 or 3. These results are then discussed at the next meeting. The course includes an optional extra session at the end of each day for questions, problems, etc. The course costs $1800 ($900 for students). More details ...

Registration

Registration is now open via the following link: registration. Registration will remain open until 48 hours prior to the start of each track or when the track reaches capacity. Registrants may cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start of their track(s).  Students receive a 50% discount.  Additional (half price) discounts are available for members of the University of Kentucky community.  

Software

It is useful to install the software before the workshop, so that you can get any difficulties ironed out. Please visit our software page. 

Contact

The website for this workshop is https://www.linksworkshop.org/.  If you have any questions, please contact Scott Soltis <scott.m.soltis@uky.edu>.  In addition, visit your specific track to get contact information about your instructors and TAs.