1.1. Role in Social Networks

The 2 people they do not interact with each other or they may not know each other at all, but they belong to the same position like in a hospital, 2 doctors, they may not meet to know each other, or they may not know actually, but they have the same position that they are a doctor in the same hospital.

In social networks, 'structural equivalence' refers to situations where individuals occupy similar positions within a network but do not directly interact. For example, two doctors working in the same hospital may never meet or communicate with each other but share the common role of being doctors at that institution. This implies that even without direct contact, they may still influence one another by sharing similar experiences and knowledge.

Imagine two doctors in a large city hospital. They might work different shifts and never see each other, but they both encounter the same types of patients, procedures, and hospital policies. In this way, they exist within a larger network of professional practice, sharing common roles that shape their experiences even without direct interactions.

Then people can also indirectly observe each other and compare each other and collect informations from them okay, indirectly... being in the same institution in IIT Roorkee gives them a kind of same kind of socialization or training.

Individuals in similar social roles or institutions do not have to know each other personally to benefit from one another's experiences. They can observe each other's actions and behaviors from a distance, allowing them to compare and learn indirectly. For instance, students at IIT Roorkee might see how their peers handle coursework or projects, providing them with insights on effective study habits or research methods, even if they have never spoken to one another.

Consider students in a university classroom. They might not all work together on assignments, but they can learn from observing how others approach group discussions or presentations. This indirect observation helps them pick up techniques and styles that they may incorporate into their own work, highlighting learning from social environments without direct interaction.

Another dimension is the spatial dimension; spatial groups... you need to interact with your neighbours and they influence you, you are also influencing them.

The 'spatial dimension' of social networks emphasizes the significance of geographic proximity. People often interact with their neighbors, and these interactions lead to mutual influences. For example, living in the same neighborhood can shape individuals' habits, social norms, and information-sharing practices because they share similar environments and circumstances.

Think about a neighborhood where everyone gardens. A new resident may begin gardening inspired by their neighbors' displays of flowers and vegetables. Over time, they might exchange tips and resources, fostering relationships through shared interests that stem from their close physical proximity.

Now we have 3 kinds of groups; one is cohesive, one is structurally equivalent, there is same competition, positions and roles and the question of spatially distribution.

Social networks can be categorized into three primary groups based on their characteristics: cohesive groups, which have strong ties and direct relationships; structurally equivalent groups, which possess similar roles but less direct interaction; and spatially distributed groups, which emphasize geographical connections. Each of these types affects how information flows within the network and how individuals interact with one another.

Imagine a sports team (cohesive group) where everyone practices together frequently, sharing strategies and building strong bonds. In contrast, a group of coaches (structurally equivalent) may each coach different teams but adhere to common strategies without direct communication. Finally, a community of residents in a large city (spatially distributed) may live near each other and influence one another's daily life, but their interactions might be limited to brief encounters.

Now we also need to collect 3 kinds of informations or informations through 3 kinds of activities; one is hearing, one is observations, one is discussions.

When it comes to gathering information within social networks, there are three primary methods individuals use: 'hearing' refers to listening to opinions and experiences from peers; 'observations' involve watching how others behave or handle situations; and 'discussions' are conversations where individuals share insights and opinions intimately. Choosing the right method depends on the nature of the information needed and the context of the interaction.

Consider a student learning about a new subject. They might hear about study tips from friends (hearing), observe how a classmate organizes their notes (observations), and then engage in a discussion with a study group about various approaches to studying (discussions). Each method contributes valuable insights into the learning process.

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