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. This year we are offering four synchronous online tracks (conducted over Zoom). Each track meets on 3-5 days for four to four and a half hours a day. There is access to a limited number of non-technical one-on-one consultations with experienced research faculty to discuss your individual project(s). The tracks (and provisional dates) are shown below.

Provisional dates

As of 14 Jan 2023, not all of the dates for the summer have not be set in stone. Please check back for possible changes.

Track 1. Introduction to Social Network Analysis - May 31, June 1, June 2, 2023 (these dates are pretty certain)

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 June May 31, it meets Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30am-11:30am EDT and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (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 (these dates are pretty certain)

Taught by Steve Borgatti, this is a more technical and in-depth workshop focusing on the concepts and methods of SNA, particularly as they apply to specific research objectives. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. UCINET for Windows software is used extensively. The course meets four times starting June 5: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00am-12:00pm EDT and 12:30pm-2:30pm EDT (16 contact hours). The fifth day is led by the TAs. The course costs $1500 ($750 for students). More details ...

Track 3. Intermediate Social Network Analysis (R) - June 5-9, 2023 (these dates are especially uncertain)

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 the software package R, rather than UCINET. The mathematics behind the measures is explained, as well as how to use the measures in practice. The course meets five times starting June 5 with each instructional day consisting of two sessions: 10:00am-12:15pm EDT and 12:45pm-3:00pm EDT (22.5 contact hours). Participants will receive homework, which includes running analyses and interpreting results, and which they can perform in small groups of 2 or 3. These results are then discussed at the next meeting. The course costs $2000 ($1000 for students). More details ...

Track 4. Stochastic Models of Networks - June 12-15, 2023 (dates are uncertain)

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. Starting after Track 2 and Track 3 finish, the course meets starting June 12. 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 costs $2000 ($1000 for students). More details ...

Registration

Registration is not yet open. Once it opens (there will be a link here), it 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 the 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 for your instructors and TAs.