Communication and other social networks have been the subject of considerable scholarship since the eighteenth century (Mattelart 2000), but the past two decades have produced unprecedented growth in network theorizing and research. Further, this interest in communication and information networks now spans the social sciences, including sociology, psychology, history, political science, organization science, and economics
A traditional radio network consists of a series of radio broadcasting stations connected in some way (typically by broadcast, landline, microwave, or satellite) so that each of the stations can carry the same programs or advertisements. Often, the stations will carry the programs simultaneously, but under some circumstances (e.g., stations in differing time zones), a
Television networks are organizations that produce or acquire the rights to TV programs, which are centrally distributed to affiliated stations where they are scheduled at uniform time slots. The distribution of content to geographically dispersed stations can occur using a variety of technical systems, involving traditional over-the-air electromagnetic broadcasting, cable, satellite, and now digital transmission.
Social networks are the interpersonal relationships people have with friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, and others they may come into contact with directly or via media communications. Social network analysis is used to understand these social relationships and how they help explain individual and social behavior (Scott 2000; Wasserman & Faust 1994). Social networks are studied
The notion that scientists and other scholars constitute a kind of community of scholars has frequently been asserted and discussed (Godfrey Smith 2003). The ”invisible college” of natural philosophers is a seventeenth century idea (Price 1963). The phrasing is reminiscent of Adam Smith’s later ”invisible hand,” except that the scientists are real persons and it
Associative Networks Definition Associative networks are cognitive models that incorporate long-known principles of association to represent key features of human memory. When two things (e.g., “bacon” and “eggs”) are thought about simultaneously, they may become linked in memory. Subsequently, when one thinks about bacon, eggs are likely to come to mind as well. Over 2,000
The nomological network is a tool for construct validation (i.e., gathering evidence about the meaning) of psychological measures. For example, construct validation of job performance ratings by supervisors should indicate what the ratings really mean, or how accurately they reflect actual performance levels. The goal is to link observable measurements to unobservable theoretical constructs. In
This article explores the complex relationship between social networks and mental health outcomes within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with an introduction that contextualizes the significance of social networks in contemporary society, the paper delves into an overview of how social support, social isolation, and various positive and negative social influences shape mental well-being.