Exploring the Structural Properties of the State Reading Policy Domain Using Network Visualization Technique

This study demonstrates the utility of network-analytic methods, network visualization techniques in particular, for policy research in education by examining the structural properties of the state reading policy domain using network visualization tools: sociograms and multidimensional scaling scattergrams.

Abstract

Guided by the social network perspective, this study examined the structural properties of the state reading policy domain using network visualization tools: sociograms and multidimensional scaling scattergrams. The authors' graphic exploration of eight state reading policy networks produced rich insights about the density and the overall configuration of the networks, as well as the influence distribution, positional differentiation, and interaction patterns among diverse state reading policy actors. This study not only advances knowledge about the structural context of the state reading policy domain but also demonstrates the utility of network-analytic methods, network visualization techniques in particular, for policy research in education.