Testing Hypotheses and Research Questions through Social Network Analysis
Students will create hypotheses related to co-occurance and/or influence based on a specific interest, construct a dataset based on this interest, and test the hypotheses through network analysis.
Overview
This project uses NodeXL, a social network analysis tool, to
analyze a Twitter dataset related to students' interests. For the
project, each student will pose their own research questions and hypotheses,
collect their own data, and use the software to analyze the data and
answer their questions.
Before using the software, a class period will be devoted to discuss the method of network analysis, major concepts of networks (nodes, ties, clusters, etc.), centrality and centrality measures (degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality), and network visualizations. Application of these concepts to a Twitter network will be explored, particularly in the context of understanding influence and social capital online. Time will also be spent explaining how to create research questions and hypotheses applicable to this project.
Additional class periods will be spent in a computer lab learning how to use the software and interpret the date. Students are expected to spend time outside of class working in the lab.
Finally, the project culminates in a brief (3-5 page) research report in which students present their results both in text and in network visualizations. Students must present their RQs and Hs, “show” their data pertaining to these, and offer educated explanations about what the data supported.
The full assignment handout is contained in the "Social Network Analysis.docx" attachment.
Before using the software, a class period will be devoted to discuss the method of network analysis, major concepts of networks (nodes, ties, clusters, etc.), centrality and centrality measures (degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality), and network visualizations. Application of these concepts to a Twitter network will be explored, particularly in the context of understanding influence and social capital online. Time will also be spent explaining how to create research questions and hypotheses applicable to this project.
Additional class periods will be spent in a computer lab learning how to use the software and interpret the date. Students are expected to spend time outside of class working in the lab.
Finally, the project culminates in a brief (3-5 page) research report in which students present their results both in text and in network visualizations. Students must present their RQs and Hs, “show” their data pertaining to these, and offer educated explanations about what the data supported.
The full assignment handout is contained in the "Social Network Analysis.docx" attachment.
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CMM115 Social Media: Theory and Practice, Fall 2017
Notes
No notes yet.
Outcome summary
Students were able to construct simple questions and hypotheses,
collect data with the Twitter import function of NodeXL, create
visualizations, and answer the RQs/Hs with their data. Some students had
trouble saving and then re-opening their files during future class
periods. Otherwise, no hiccups with the software. In the future I would
consider giving students a more robust data set to collect or work with
(rather than the small networks each student selected him/herself). I
would not devote as much class-time for students to work on the project,
instead opting for outside-of-class-time lab sessions led by a Tech
Scholar.
Materials
From the web
-
There are currently no web resources associated with this assignment.
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CMM115 Social Media: Theory and Practice, Spring 2019
Notes
This version differs from the previous (Fall 2017) in that it has a group component added in. The group project is done in between a class example (lead by me and done during class time) and an individual project. The group assignment is focused on U.S. Senators, whereas the individual assignment uses a tweet network chosen by the student. The group project is meant to ease students into the individual project.
I relied on handouts and Technology Fellows to teach the technology (NodeXL and Twitter) and underlying analyses (network analysis). A Technology Fellow also provided drop-in help with NodeXL outside of class time.
Outcome summary
The assignment went as expected. The next time I teach it, I would update the research questions in the group project that students need to respond to based on the characteristics of the senator tweet network that semester.
Materials
From the web
-
There are currently no web resources associated with this assignment.