Social Network Analysis as a Method: Using Whole Network Approach for Studying FOSS Communities

Social network analysis provides a set of theories, concepts, methods, techniques, and instruments for the study of social structure. This paper presents social network analysis as a research method focusing on whole network approach. A review of social network theory is briefly presented and network analysis as a research method is discussed by describing network data, data collection methods, measures and indicators and their analysis and interpretations. A study of online Free/Open Source Software Communities is presented as an example of the use of the methodology. In this sample, the method of collecting online network data is also explored. Overall, the paper shows how to use social network analysis for the study of social structure.