Social Network Analysis: A Distinctive Research Approach in the Social and Behavioral Sciences

This article attempts to provide an overview of the Social Network Analysis (SNA) in the mainstream research endeavors in the social and behavioral sciences. The study describes the conceptual, theoretical and substantive foundations of social network analysis as research methodology. SNA is an interdisciplinary research methodology in exploring a wide range of topics, issues and problems across various disciplines. The study of social networks is a powerful research tool for the discovery of a wide range of human behaviors and problems. The article also discusses some of the dilemmas and controversies that revolve around the methods of SNA. Lastly, the article suggests about the potential usefulness of SNA for scholars, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners engaging in addressing the multifaceted human problems across various disciplines in general and social sciences practice in particular.