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Social network analysis deals with the analysis of sets of nodes (actors, individuals, vectors) and ties (edges, arcs, relationship) that make up (social) systems. In this context, a mode describes such a set of node data. One-mode data describe a network in which only one type of relationship is represented. Multiple modes can exist in one social network data set, but most of the social network research uses one-mode data or converts multiple-mode data into one-mode data for analysis. Both are discussed in this entry.

Definition

A mode can be defined as a type of node that is being studied. Hence, one-mode data describe data that include only one type of node. For instance, this could be a data set that includes data about students in a university. Each and every node represented in that network is of the type student; no other type (mode) exists. Social networks may also include more modes simultaneously, for example, two-mode data. With a two-mode data set, a researcher may not only analyze students but investigate which classes are attended by students. In this network, two modes—students and classes—are present. With one-mode data, a data set represented as a matrix will have the same entities in the rows as in the columns.

Importantly, the discussion of modes is independent of the availability of multiple types of ties in a network (which is another important thread in the social network literature). For example, one may study cognitive and emotional ties among students. This still entails just one mode (students).

Conversion of Multimode Data into One-Mode Data

One-mode data are an important concept even if a researcher works with raw data that have multiple modes, because the options for analysis based on multiple-mode data are still limited (at least as compared to the alternatives available while working with one-mode data). One solution to that problem often chosen by researchers is to convert multimode data into one-mode data before analysis. For example, a two-mode data set, in which persons A and B both attend one event, could be converted into a one-mode data set that includes only nodes A and B and no events as well as a direct tie between A and B (as they have both attended the same event). Once this transformation has been carried out, all the analysis methods available to one-mode social network analysis can be applied. However, the research needs to bear in mind that information was lost in this process of conversion.

See also Network Analysis; Nodes and Relationships; Social Network Analysis; Social Network Analysis Methods and Applications; Two-Mode Data

Dominik E. Froehlich
  • social network analysis
  • social networks
  • nodes
10.4135/9781071812082.n416

Froehlich, D. E., & Brouwer, J. (2021). Social network analysis as mixed analysis. In A. J. Onwuegbuzie & R. B. Johnson (Eds.), Routledge reviewer’s guide for mixed methods analysis. London, UK: Routledge.
Wasserman, S., & Faust, K. (1994). Social network analysis: Methods and applications. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
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