Using the bipartite line graph to visualise 2-mode social networks

Abstract

This paper surveys the range of techniques available for the analysis of 2-mode (actor-by-event) datasets and proposes an additional option for visualization and analysis that uses the line-graph of the bipartite adjacency matrix. The nodes of this line-graph are roles or statuses conferred on actors through their participation in events or recognition of their group membership. The line-graph can be structured to have two sets of edges. One set of edges shows the connections between actors created by their common participations or group memberships. The second set of edges show which statuses (memberships) in different groups are connected because the same actor holds both. The paper shows how to generate the line graph using UCINET procedures but also assembles 2-mode data to show details in the line graph not readily available through UCINET procedures.