New directions in the analysis of social network dynamics

Abstract

A significant amount of research endeavour is noticed in present literature to analyse, model, and capture network dynamics. By following a topological approach (i.e., static topology and dynamic topology), we propose a research framework to analyse, model, and capture the evolutionary dynamics of networks. In static topology, SNA methods are applied on the aggregated network of entire data collection period. Smaller segments of network data accumulated in 'less time' compared to the entire data collection period are used in dynamic typology for analysis purpose. This paper also posits the relevancy and applicability of our proposed actor-level approach by reviewing the methods of present literature for analysing network dynamics. Finally, this paper briefly describe future research direction in align of our proposed actor-level approach to model, analyse, and capture social network dynamics. Copyright © 2012 SciTePress - Science and Technology Publications.