Analysis of social capital dimensions in the virtual social network

The present research aims at studying the social capital in virtual social networks (Virtual social capital). Its theoretical bases are related to the theories discussed by classic as well as contemporary sociologists. The research's theoretical framework is Wolman's theory of the social capital network. He has provided three models: missed society; leaved society and preserved society; and considered the network's social capital in three dimensions: structural dimension (the network's size and configuration), interactive dimension (contact frequency, the relation and intimacy severity) and functional dimension (supports); and assumes them as this research's bases. The research has been conducted using a combination of survey and documentary methods. In fact, the literature and theoretical bases have been collected using documentary method; however data collection and their analysis have been performed using survey method. Statistical population consists of all Farsi language virtual social networks in which Iranian users have been members and have continuous interactions. The sample volume was predicted as 400 people based on the amended Cochran's formula. Sampling method was snowball method. Of course, since data were collected in a theoretical space, interviews were conducted in the form of questionnaires sent through e-mail; the answering system was as self-responding. Respondents answered the items and questions in the virtual space. In the statistical analysis various methods have been applied including one-variable (descriptive statistics), two-variable (different statistical tests) and multi-variable (regression and route analysis).