Social network analysis (SNA).

Social network analysis (SNA) involves mapping and measuring relationships among people, groups, even computers and URLs—any source of information or knowledge that is connected to another or others. In this network the nodes are the people, computers, and groups—the hardware—while the links are flows or relationships. SNA of human relationships is both mathematical and visual. The use of SNA by business management consultants is called organizational network analysis. Network analysis is used in anthropology, ethnology, sociology, and psychology. SNA is applicable across disciplines to any problem involving social context. Sociocentric or society-focused SNA studies whole networks and the relations of all actors in the group. Examples include gangs, classrooms, boards of directors, or villages. Structure within the group is the focus of sociocentric SNA. Egocentric or personal networks are those people an individual knows. Egocentric studies are useful in research into such issues as the link between IV drug use and HIV transmission.