Relationships and the pattern of relationships have a large and varied influence on both individual and group action. The fundamental distinction of social network analysis research is that relationships are of paramount importance in explaining behavior. Because of this, social network analysis offers many exciting tools and techniques for research and practice in a wide variety of medical and public health situations including organizational improvements, understanding risk behaviors, coordinating coalitions, and the delivery of health care services. This book provides an introduction to the major theories, methods, models, and findings of social network analysis research and application. In three sections, it presents a comprehensive overview of the topic; first in a survey of its historical and theoretical foundations, then in practical descriptions of the variety of methods currently in use, and finally in a discussion of its specific applications for behavior change in a public health context. Throughout, the text has been kept clear, concise, and comprehensible, with short mathematical formulas for some key indicators or concepts. Researchers and students alike will find it an invaluable resource for understanding and implementing social network analysis in their own practice.

About the Author
Thomas W. Valente is a Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California.

Reviews
Valentes Social Networks and Health adopts a public health perspective and is very rich in examples of practical and policy applications, though it also offers an introduction to basic concepts and measures. While particularly close to medical sociology and social work, it also provides abundant insight into processes of diffusion of behaviours and ideas through networks, of potential interest to other areas of sociology too. * Paola Tubaro, Sociology *
It is a comprehensive introduction to a field that may not be well known to the broader epidemiologic community but could go a long way to making an impact upon researchers if they take the opportunity to see how this approach can be used in a variety of fields. The author has produced a very readable text on an issue of growing importance in epidemiology and public health more generally. * American Journal of Epidemiology *



Book Information
ISBN 9780195301014
Author Thomas W. Valente
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 157mm * 236mm * 23mm