What is social network analysis?
Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a process whereby a visual and statistical portrait is drawn of the linkages which hold a community together. This portrait is created by inputing information (such as communication patterns and individual attributes) into a grid-matrix so that SNA software can read the nature of linkages across the group. For example, analysis can identify the density of communications, barriers to communications, the formation of subgroups or how effectively information moves through the community. The resultant data can be used to enhance community information sharing and access to resources. Once the SNA software has processed the information, a graphic representation of the network can be produced (see below for example). This network is then analyzed to understand its structure so that individual components of the network can better understand the way in which the group interacts.
