The revised and updated edition of this bestselling text provides an accessible introduction to the theory and practice of network analysis in the social sciences. It gives a clear and authoritative guide to the general framework of network analysis, explaining the basic concepts, technical measures and reviewing the available computer programs. The book outlines both the theoretical basis of network analysis and the key techniques for using it as a research tool. Building upon definitions of points, lines and paths, John Scott demonstrates their use in clarifying such measures as density, fragmentation and centralization. He identifies the various cliques, components and circles into which networks are formed, and outlines an approach to the study of socially structured positions. He also discusses the use of multidimensional methods for investigating social networks. Social Network Analysis is an invaluable resource for researchers across the social sciences and for students of social theory and research methods.

約翰·斯科特，英國埃塞剋斯大學社會學教授。齣版30餘部書，論文近130篇。主要齣版物有《企業、階級和資本主義》，《誰支配英國》，《社會學理論》、《分層和權力》，《社會網絡分析》，主編《牛津社會學詞典》。他是《社會學評論》雜誌的編委，《英國社會學雜誌》和《歐洲社會理論雜誌》的編委會成員。最近的著述有《社會理論：社會學中的核心問題》，主編《當代50位重要社會學傢》。