Table 1 Network analysis applications
From: Network analysis as a tool for humanitarian protection: research and practice
| Application | Description | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on the relations | The main unit of study is the relations between different actors. Actors may vary between individuals to organisations, NGOs and nations. | • Allows us to identify problems or issues based on the relations between actors. |
| Multilevel analysis | Different types of analysis can be conducted simultaneously, from small groups to large systems, organisations, movements or national and international systems. | • Allows for data analysis from different types of actors. • Combining different sets of data can provide a wider view of things and may provide a better picture of where protection is needed. |
| Link between behaviour and structure | It can be used as a tool to investigate how the structure in a network may be influencing behaviour and vice versa: a tool to explain behaviour through the structure and composition of the network. | • Allows for a better understanding of where intervention is needed. |
| Combination and feedback with other social research methods | Network analysis can easily be combined with other methods and instruments. | • Ideal when network data is not easily attainable. • Network data may be complemented with other data sets. • Allows space for respondents to discuss their network. |