Network theory

About: Network theory is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2257 publications have been published within this topic receiving 109864 citations.

Application of Complex Networks Theory in Urban Traffic Network Researches

Abstract: Complex network theory is a multidisciplinary research direction of complexity science which has experienced a rapid surge of interest over the last two decades. Its applications in land-based urban traffic network studies have been fruitful, but have suffered from the lack of a systematic cognitive and integration framework. This paper reviews complex network theory related knowledge and discusses its applications in urban traffic network studies in several directions. This includes network representation methods, topological and geographical related studies, network communities mining, network robustness and vulnerability, big-data-based research, network optimization, co-evolution research and multilayer network theory related studies. Finally, new research directions are pointed out. With these efforts, this physics-based concept will be more easily and widely accepted by urban traffic network planners, designers, and other related scholars.

The Performativity of Networks

Abstract: The “performativity thesis” is the claim that parts of contemporary economics and finance, when carried out into the world by professionals and popularizers, reformat and reorganize the phenomena they purport to describe, in ways that bring the world into line with theory. Practical technologies, calculative devices and portable algorithms give actors tools to implement particular models of action. I argue that social network analysis is performative in the same sense as the cases studied in this literature. Social network analysis and finance theory are similar in key aspects of their development and effects. For the case of economics, evidence for weaker versions of the performativity thesis is quite good, and the strong formulation is circumstantially supported. Network theory easily meets the evidential threshold for the weaker versions. I offer empirical examples that support the strong (or “Barnesian”) formulation. Whether these parallels are a mark in favor of the thesis or a strike against it is an open question. I argue that the social network technologies and models now being “performed” build out systems of generalized reciprocity, connectivity, and commons-based production. This is in contrast both to an earlier network imagery that emphasized self-interest and entrepreneurial exploitation of structural opportunities, and to the model of action typically considered to be performed by economic technologies.

Network Action Research

Abstract: Current literature stresses the significance of networks and network theory in both social as well as technical domains Not only is the role of networked technologies (such as mobile phones and the internet) in everyday life being scrutinized, but network theory is re-shaping an understanding of how social change and community interaction occurs In this paper, I build on these developments to propose Network Action Research as a methodological variant of the action research family I propose that Network Action Research is a timely and appropriate research methodology to guide studies that involve people, place and technology and to meet the challenges that stem from the changing nature of community interaction and social formations within a Network Society I outline how technology can be used to operationalise and support Network Action Research Examples from two case studies are used to illustrate key aspects of the methodology