This course explores how behavior spreads through social networks, focusing on social change, innovation diffusion, and collective behaviors. Students will learn about social reinforcement, complex contagions, network hubs, and the role of neighborhoods in shaping behaviors. The course covers experimental sociology, randomization to networks, health interventions, and the diffusion of behaviors like HPV vaccination. The teaching method includes lectures, case studies, and experimental studies. This course is intended for individuals interested in sociology, social psychology, public health, and social change.
Overview
Syllabus
Introduction.
Social Change (Arab Spring).
Egypt (2011) Twitter.
Puzzle of Innovation Diffusion.
Intuitions.
Weak Ties.
What Goes Wrong?.
Ideas of Diffusion.
Summary.
Overview.
Social Networks.
Small World Model.
Social Reinforcement.
Collective Behaviors.
Complex Contagions.
Neighborhood Structure.
Findings.
Network Hubs.
Counterintuitive Implications.
Experimental Study.
Populations are Actors.
Experimental Sociology.
Experimental Design.
Randomization to Networks.
Select Health Interests.
Health Buddies.
Initiating Behavior.
Diffusion of Behavior.
Replication.
Commitment.
External Validity.
Complexity in Diffusion.
Social Design.
HPV Vaccination.
Tipping Points in Social Change.
Social Learning and Partisan Bias.
Designing Social Change.
Taught by
Stanford Online
