Network Dynamics of Social Behavior from Coursera

How do revolutions emerge without anyone expecting them? How did social norms about same sex marriage change more rapidly than anyone anticipated? Why do some social innovations take off with relative ease, while others struggle for years without spreading? More generally, what are the forces that control the process of social evolution –from the fashions that we wear, to our beliefs about religious tolerance, to our ideas about the process of scientific discovery and the best ways to manage complex research organizations?

The social world is complex and full of surprises. Our experiences and intuitions about the social world as individuals are often quite different from the behaviors that we observe emerging in large societies. Even minor changes to the structure of a social network - changes that are unobservable to individuals within those networks - can lead to radical shifts in the spread of new ideas and behaviors through a population. These “invisible” mathematical properties of social networks have powerful implications for the ways that teams solve problems, the social norms that are likely to emerge, and even the very future of our society.

This course condenses the last decade of cutting-edge research on these topics into six modules. Each module provides an in-depth look at a particular research puzzle -with a focus on agent-based models and network theories of social change -and provides an interactive computational model for you try out and to use for making your own explorations!

Learning objectives - after this course, students will be able to...

- explain how computer models are used to study challenging social problems

- describe how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships

- show how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors

- provide concrete examples of how social networks can influence social change

- discuss how diffusion processes can explain the growth social movements, changes in cultural norms, and the success of team problem solving

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Schelling's Segregation Model

This week will introduce students to agent-based modeling and social network theory. We will present one of the earliest and most famous agent-based models, Thomas Schelling’s model of segregation, which shows how segregation can emerge in a population even when people individually prefer diversity. This week will demonstrate this model both conceptually and with NetLogo, and illustrate how agent-based models can be used to demonstrate sufficient conditions for the emergence of social phenomena.

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Explores how social phenomena emerge from individual actions, providing insights into complex social issues

Incorporates interactive computational models for hands-on exploration and understanding of social network dynamics

Taught by Damon Centola, an expert in the study of social dynamics and networks

Designed for learners interested in understanding social change and the impact of social networks

Requires familiarity with basic statistical concepts and an interest in the social sciences

May not provide sufficient depth for advanced researchers in the field of social dynamics

Reviews summary

Analysis of network dynamics of social behavior reviews

According to learners, this course provides a highly insightful and unique perspective on how social phenomena spread and evolve through complex networks. Many praise its strong theoretical foundation and the clarity of the conceptual framework presented. The interactive agent-based models, particularly using NetLogo, are frequently mentioned as a helpful tool for visualizing abstract concepts, although some find learning NetLogo requires initial effort. While the course is seen as thought-provoking and well-structured, a common theme is that it can be challenging, especially if new to modeling or network theory. Some also note a focus on theory over practical application with real-world data, wishing for more hands-on examples.

Requires effort but offers deep insights.

"This course required significant effort and concentration."

"It's challenging but worth the work if you're committed."

"I found some parts quite demanding, especially the modeling exercises."

"Be prepared to invest time, but the learning payoff is high."

Strong theory but could use more practical application.

"I wish there were more examples using real-world social data."

"It felt heavily theoretical, which was great for foundational knowledge."

"Could use more guidance on applying these models practically."

"Focuses more on the 'why' than the 'how-to' for real projects."

Models aid understanding but NetLogo requires effort.

"Working with NetLogo helped solidify the concepts, even if the tool felt a bit old."

"The interactive models were a highlight for me and made abstract ideas concrete."

"I found learning NetLogo steep initially, but ultimately rewarding."

"The NetLogo assignments were challenging but deepened my understanding."

Provides clear, insightful theoretical grounding.

"The lectures were incredibly clear and insightful."

"I appreciated how complex ideas were broken down."

"The theoretical framework presented was very strong and easy to follow."

"The concepts are explained with great clarity."

Offers novel lens on social change and behavior.

"This course provided a completely new lens to view social change."

"I loved exploring complex social dynamics with agent-based models."

"It fundamentally changed how I think about system-level behavior."

"The unique approach to understanding social dynamics is truly valuable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Network Dynamics of Social Behavior with these activities:

Compile and organize your course materials

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Compile and organize your course materials to improve your ability to review and retain the information.

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Gather all of your course materials (e.g., notes, handouts, readings)
Create a system for organizing your materials (e.g., folders, binders, digital files)
Review your materials regularly

Explore the NetLogo platform for agent-based modeling

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Explore the NetLogo platform to gain hands-on experience with agent-based modeling, which is used in the course.

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Install NetLogo on your computer
Go through the NetLogo tutorials
Build a simple agent-based model
Share your model with others

Read 'Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives' by Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of social network analysis and its applications in various fields, offering insights into the power of social networks and their impact on our lives.

View Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social... on Amazon

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Read the book
Summarize the key concepts and findings from the book
Reflect on how the book has influenced your understanding of social networks

Four other activities

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Practice creating different kinds of networks

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Practice creating different kinds of networks to understand the concepts and structures covered in the course.

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Choose a network type (e.g., random, scale-free, small world)
Generate a network of a given size and density
Visualize the network
Analyze the network properties (e.g., degree distribution, clustering coefficient)

Attend a workshop on social network analysis

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Attend a workshop on social network analysis to learn about the tools and techniques used to analyze social networks.

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Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
Apply what you have learned in the workshop to your own research or projects

Design a model to simulate the diffusion of a new social norm

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Design a model to simulate the diffusion of a new social norm to understand the factors that influence its spread.

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Define the social norm and the target population
Develop a set of rules that govern the spread of the norm
Simulate the model and analyze the results
Present your findings in a report or presentation

Volunteer with a local organization that uses social network analysis

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Volunteer with a local organization that uses social network analysis to gain practical experience in the field.

Browse courses on Social Network Analysis

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Find a local organization that uses social network analysis
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in the organization's activities and learn about their use of social network analysis
Reflect on your experience and how it has enhanced your understanding of social network analysis

Career center

Learners who complete Network Dynamics of Social Behavior will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computational Social Scientist

A Computational Social Scientist designs and carries out computer simulations to better understand social phenomena. This role also involves building mathematical models to describe social systems and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. Those who wish to work in this field should take this course because it would teach them how to use computer models to study social systems, which is a key skill for Computational Social Scientists. The course also provides an in-depth look at how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships, which is another important concept for understanding social phenomena.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Social Scientist

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to help organizations make informed decisions. Data Analysts use their skills in statistics, mathematics, and computer science to uncover insights from data. This course may be useful for Data Analysts because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations. Operations Research Analysts use their skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to develop and implement solutions to business problems. This course may be useful for Operations Research Analysts because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Market Researcher

A Market Researcher conducts research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course may be useful for Market Researchers as it provides an insight into how social networks can influence consumer behavior and social change.

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Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of organizations and individuals. This course may be useful for Public Relations Specialists because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager develops and executes social media strategies for organizations and individuals. This course may be useful for Social Media Managers because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Event Planner

An Event Planner plans and coordinates events for organizations and individuals. This course may be useful for Event Planners because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works to improve the lives of people in a community. This course may be useful for Community Organizers because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their performance. This course may be useful for Management Consultants because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and runs their own business. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. This course may be useful for Professors because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research in a particular field. This course may be useful for Researchers because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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Writer

A Writer writes books, articles, or other works of fiction or nonfiction. This course may be useful for Writers because it provides an understanding of how networks are used to represent the structure of social relationships and how individual actions can lead to unintended collective behaviors.

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