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In a Peter Langfelder - Signed or unsigned: which network type is preferable?
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In a social network analysis
Social network analysis (SNA) is the process of investigating social structures through the use of networks and graph theory. It characterizes networked structures in terms of ''nodes'' (individual actors, people, or things within the network) ...
(as in blockmodeling
Blockmodeling is a set or a coherent framework, that is used for analyzing social structure and also for setting procedure(s) for partitioning (clustering) social network's units ( nodes, vertices, actors), based on specific patterns, which form ...
), a positive or a negative 'friendship' can be established between two node
In general, a node is a localized swelling (a "knot") or a point of intersection (a vertex).
Node may refer to:
In mathematics
* Vertex (graph theory), a vertex in a mathematical graph
*Vertex (geometry), a point where two or more curves, lines ...
s in a network; this results in a signed network. As social interaction between people can be positive or negative, so can be links between the nodes (representing persons).
When a positive or a negative value is attributed on the relationship between the two nodes, it is called a ''user evaluation''. In social groups, people can like or dislike, respect or disrespect other people in their social group
In the social sciences, a social group can be defined as two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and collectively have a sense of unity. Regardless, social groups come in a myriad of sizes and varieties ...
s.
The quality of such connections can be further analysed, as a positive connections can have a positive influence on the whole network (one person on social group or society
A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Soci ...
in general) and vice versa.
When network connections are not evaluated between the nodes (e.g., all connections are regarded as positive - as they exist), then such a network is defined as an unsigned network./ref>
References
{{reflistSee also
*Signed graph
In the area of graph theory in mathematics, a signed graph is a graph in which each edge has a positive or negative sign.
A signed graph is balanced if the product of edge signs around every cycle is positive. The name "signed graph" and the no ...
* Balance theory In the psychology of motivation, balance theory is a theory of attitude change, proposed by Fritz Heider. It conceptualizes the cognitive consistency motive as a drive toward psychological balance. The consistency motive is the urge to maintain o ...
Social network analysis