This article provides a general overview of social network analysis concepts, followed by some caveats for school psychology researchers to consider if they are interested in collecting social network data; it also highlights the value of social network analysis for older adolescents regarding aggression and the bystander effect.
Social network analysis (SNA) consists of a broad set of frameworks and methods to assess how direct and indirect relationships influence individual functioning. Although interest in SNA has steadily increased in the psychological sciences, school psychology has not kept pace. This article provides a general overview of core SNA concepts, including how network data is typically collected in schools. Following this overview, the authors provide some caveats to considerations for school psychology researchers interested in collecting network data. Finally, they highlight the potential value of SNA to school psychologists by describing the networks of older adolescents as it pertains to aggression and the bystander effect. Publisher Abstract Provided