Social Network Analysis as an Analytic Tool for Task Group Research: A Case Study of an Interdisciplinary Community of Practice

Abstract

Group counselors commonly collaborate in interdisciplinary settings in health care, substance abuse, and juvenile justice. Social network analysis is a methodology rarely used in counseling research yet has potential to examine task group dynamics in new ways. This case study explores the scholarly relationships among 36 members of an interdisciplinary community of practice. Findings suggest some disciplines work together more than others and members are more likely to interact interpersonally than in knowledge production. The study also finds members who are more central to the group than others, and subgroups that may be centers of work and creativity.

Keywords:

• community of practice
• interdisciplinary collaboration
• social network analysis
• task group