| Session Title: How to Cast Your Net: Network Analysis Techniques in Public Health Evaluation |
| Demonstration Session 675 to be held in TRAVIS A on Friday, Nov 12, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the |
| Presenter(s): |
| Lana Wald, Washington University in St Louis, lwald@gwbmail.wustl.edu |
| Bobbi Carothers, Washington University in St Louis, bcarothers@wustl.edu |
| Douglas Luke, Washington University in St Louis, dluke@wustl.edu |
| Jenine Harris, Saint Louis University, harrisjk@slu.edu |
| Abstract: Social network analysis can serve as a valuable evaluation approach for understanding and quantifying relationships between individuals and organizations. Network analysis techniques provide evaluators with tools to visualize relationships and the flow of information. These techniques contribute to a more in depth understanding of the context in which a program operates and can be a useful component of a comprehensive evaluation. Network analysis entails three steps: 1) defining who is in the network, 2) measuring network participants, and 3) showing network relationships in a visual form. We will demonstrate these steps along with how this approach has been utilized in two multi-site initiatives. Lessons learned from these evaluations will also be presented. At the end of the session, participants will be able to describe the steps for network analysis and identify how it can be applied in their work. |