Fundamentals of Big Data Network Analysis for Research and Industry

3Understanding Network Analysis

While existing research is based on an actors’ independence, network analysis assumes that the actors are interdependent. Based on that assumption, network analysis aims to quantitatively measure regular patterns. Network analysis assumes that the actions of actors are not independent or autonomous, but interdependent, where the relationship among the actors works as a conduit for flow or transfer of (material or immaterial) resources. Also, the difference from previous research methods is that a position of an actor in a group can place limitations on his or her actions or provide an environment for coincident to occur. In other words, actors are interdependent, resource is circulated through relationships and a social network is formed, but actions can vary according to the position of the actor in a group. Therefore, even if an analysis is basically initiated from an individual actor, it actually covers not only the actor but also the groups and connection relation between a group and an actor.

3.1 Defining Social Network Analysis

Society includes actors such as nations, corporations, groups, and individuals, who interact with one another within an organization or society. These interactions produce social relationships that are referred to as social networks. A relationship might begin with mere acquaintance and might be expressed in many ways, depending on the relevant subject and context. For example, role relationships are exhibited ...