%0 Journal Article
%T VennMaker for Historians: Sources, Social Networks and Software
%A Marten D¨¹ring
%A Matthias Bixler
%A Michael Kronenwett
%A Martin Stark
%J REDES : Revista Hispana para el An¨¢lisis de Redes Sociales
%D 2011
%I Universitat Aut¨°noma de Barcelona
%X This paper explores the applicability of the software VennMaker to historical research. The paper draws on two case studies from current network-oriented historical research projects, covering different time periods and sources. VennMaker¡¯s biggest advantage is that it inverts the process of data collection. While traditional software uses pre-coded data to produce a network map, VennMaker generates data while the researcher draws nodes and creates a network map. Prefabricated data matrices are no longer necessary; therefore, the software can easily be used by historians lacking training in the social sciences. Our two cases include an analysis of a family structure in ancient history and ego-networks of Jews in hiding during National Socialism. We argue that a visual representation of social relations helps to reveal unseen patterns and characteristics of networks therefore offering scholars new perspectives on their research subjects. The software offers a variety of tools to represent social relations and their development over time and space.
%K Visualization ¨C Software ¨C Data collection ¨C Ancient History ¨C Contemporary History
%U http://revista-redes.rediris.es/html-vol21/vol21_8e.htm