Leveraging Social Network Analysis for Semantic Differential Scale: An Application to Survey Data

Advancing methodological strategies for analyzing subjective perceptions is crucial in social research, particularly when dealing with large-scale digital transitions. This study proposes a quantitative approach that leverages Social Network Analysis (SNA) methods to extract a network of adjectives from Semantic Differential scales. The approach is applied to data collected from an online survey realized during the pandemic among undergraduate students at a Southern Italian university, providing insights into the dimensional structure of their evaluations. The results highlight a positive perception of distance learning services, particularly in terms of activities conducted, use of digital platforms, online interactions, and self-study attitudes. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the perception of these services varies depending on students’ prior digital skills.