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Session Title: Social Network Analysis Across Disciplines and Purposes
Multipaper Session 595 to be held in TRAVIS A on Friday, Nov 12, 1:40 PM to 3:10 PM
Sponsored by the
Chair(s):
Maryann Durland,  Durland Consulting, mdurland@durlandconsulting.com
Discussant(s):
Maryann Durland,  Durland Consulting, mdurland@durlandconsulting.com
Use of Longitudinal Social Network Analysis: Examining Changes in Networks Among Emerging Leaders in the Ladder to Leadership Program
Presenter(s):
Kimberly Fredericks, The Sage Colleges, fredek1@sage.edu
Julia Jackson-Newsom, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, j_jackso@uncg.edu
Heather Champion, Center for Creative Leadership, championh@ccl.org
Tracy Enright Patterson, Center for Creative Leadership, pattersont@ccl.org
Abstract: Ladder to Leadership is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership. For this project, we are investigating the changes in networking and collaboration among cohorts of Fellows from eight different communities across the US. Up to 30 emerging, non-profit, community health leaders per community were selected to participate in a 16-month comprehensive leadership development program aimed at increasing collaboration among healthcare professionals. Social network analysis was used to assess relationships among program participants before and after the program. These data have been used to study changes overtime in the networks in each of these communities utilizing actor-oriented stochastic models and the RSIENA network analysis program. Initial findings suggest that there are proximity, gender, and popularity effects within the networks. Additionally, balance and transitivity play a key role in tie formation within the network.
Making Meaning: Participatory Social Network Analysis
Presenter(s):
Susan Connors, University of Colorado, Denver, susan.connors@ucdenver.edu
Marc Brodersen, University of Colorado, Denver, marc.brodersen@ucdenver.edu
Kathryn Nearing, University of Colorado, Denver, kathryn.nearing @ucdenver.edu
Bonnie Walters, University of Colorado, Denver, bonnie.walters@ucdenver.edu
Abstract: Sociograms developed through social network analyses graphically present evidence of interrelationships among individuals, programs, or disciplines. As part of a program evaluation, evaluators conducted social network analysis on archival data and prepared sociograms to depict the connectedness of biomedical investigators. The method was selected to investigate the interdisciplinary nature of the research teams before and after reorganization under the Clinical Translational Sciences Institute. To increase the relevance of such data and the likelihood that results will be used for program improvement, evaluators employed participatory evaluation techniques by involving key stakeholders in the analysis of sociograms. Evaluators interviewed program administrators concerning the resulting sociograms to gain their “insider knowledge” and to make meaning of the levels of interdisciplinary collaboration. Benefits and cautions of this mixed method approach are discussed.
Bridges and Barriers to Nurturing Interdisciplinary Research: Evaluating the Social Networks of Integrative Graduate Education and Research Trainees and Their Comparative Peers Over Time
Presenter(s):
Meg Haller, University of Illinois at Chicago, mhalle1@uic.edu
Eric Welch, University of Illinois at Chicago, ewwelch@uic.edu
Abstract: This paper evaluates the extent to which National Science Foundation’s Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (NSF IGERT) programs are able to accomplish goals of integration across disciplines and sectors through new pedagogical approaches. We present findings from a longitudinal evaluation of one IGERT program at a large urban university that combine two years of quantitative data from a web-based social network survey of graduate student program participants and a student comparison group. We assess differences in education and research outcomes, interactions among students and faculty, and the extent to which the value added of the program is attributable to differences in social networks. Results demonstrate the usefulness of complex methods including control groups and longitudinal social network analysis to address key evaluation questions and to assess interdisciplinary outcomes. Conclusions present findings for both policy and evaluation.
Applying Social Network Analysis to Understand How Youth-Serving Agencies Collaborate to Connect Youth at Risk of Suicide to Services
Presenter(s):
Anupa Fabian, ICF Macro, afabian@icfi.com
Elana Light, ICF Macro, elana.r.light@macrointernational.com
Christine Walrath-Greene, ICF Macro, cwalrath@macrointernational.com
Robert L Stephens, ICF Macro, robert.l.stephens@macrointernational.com
Michael S Rodi, ICF Macro, michael.s.rodi@macrointernational.com
Abstract: This presentation seeks to contribute to the evaluation literature on using social network analysis to assess how agencies work together to address complex community issues that necessitate community-wide collaborative approaches. Specifically, we will present on methods used to collect and analyze network data on whether and how youth-serving agencies work together to connect youth at risk of suicide to services. Using Social Network Analysis and other analytical methods, we will describe key characteristics of youth referral networks, including central players in the network, gaps in links between agencies, clusters of highly interacting agencies, typical referral patterns, network cohesiveness, the degree to which agencies have formal referral mechanisms in place, the quality of linkages and changes in networks over time. Successes and challenges in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and using network data to understand youth suicide prevention referral networks will also be discussed.
A Social Network Perspective for Evaluating Transnational Policy Diffusion: The Case of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)
Presenter(s):
Aileen Lapitan, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, alapitan@uncc.edu
Abstract: The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) is a blueprint for building the resilience of nations and communities against disasters. It is part of the United Nations’ 2004 International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), the focal point for promoting partnerships, coordination, policy integration and information. This paper employs an evaluation strategy for cross-national diffusion of the HFA that considers geographical proximity, learning, isomorphism and vertical influence in the policy process (Berry & Berry, 2007). It combines a network approach with a policy diffusion framework by graphing existing networks of governmental and other institutional actors, emphasizing the dimension of embeddedness. Through social network analysis, this paper characterizes strategic hubs that may foster transnational policy diffusion. References Berry, S. and W. Berry. (2007). Innovation and diffusion models in policy research. In P.A. Sabatier(Ed), Theories of the Policy Process (pp.223-260). Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. UNISDR. (2004). Mission and objectives. Retrieved from http://www.unisdr.org/

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