Introduction

Networks and network analysis has grown more prominent in both humanities scholarship and public discourse. In this context, networks--also known as graphs or node-link diagrams--are "a set of vertices (also called points or nodes) which represent the entities of research interest, and a set of lines (or ties) between these vertices which represent their relationships." [1]

This interactive application is designed to provide an overview of various network analysis principles used for analysis and representation. It also provides a few examples of untraditional networks used in digital humanities scholarship. Finally, along with the various methods described interactively here are links to related scholarship.

Each network type is listed in the Models section, and can be paired with an analysis or representation method by simply clicking on a network type to load a new network, and then clicking on an analysis or visualization method.

Networks are represented using traditional force-directed techniques or by plotting along the xy axis based on numerical attributes of the nodes (longitude and latitude in the case of nodes that represent geographic entities). For the force directed layout, you can adjust the various force principles to see how this affects the representation of the network you're working with.

This implementation will likely remain a work-in-progress for some time, and if you notice any flaws or discrepencies, or have a suggestion, please contact Elijah Meeks.

Introduction to Network Analysis and Representation

Elijah Meeks and Maya Krishnan