Introduction to the Special Issue: Social Network Analysis and Its Application to Schools

Abstract

Social network analysis (SNA) consists of a set of theories and methods that considers the direct and relationships in a clearly defined context. Although SNA research has witnessed rapid growth in the social sciences, school psychology has not kept pace. The lack of SNA studies in school psychology journals is interesting given that many topics of interest in the field both influence—and are influenced by—the social context. This special issue showcases how an array of SNA theories and methods can be used to determine the antecedents of relationships and the effects of these relationships on important outcomes. Each article was selected to highlight how SNA can shed unique insights on how social interactions can influence school aggression, friendships, language skills development, same and cross-ethnic relationships and school belonging, and others.