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When analyzing a [[social network]] (in [[social sciences]]), the networks are usually [[social network]]s, composed of several individuals (units) and selected [[social relationship]]s among them (links). As such real-world networks can be large and complex, a blockmodeling is used to simplify them into smaller structures, that can be much easier to interpret. Specifically, blockmodeling partitions the units into clusters and then determines the ties among the said clusters. At the same time, blockmodeling can be used to explain the [[social role]]s, existing in such network, as it is assumed that the created cluster of units mimics (or is closely associated) with the units' social roles.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
[[File:6n-graf.svg|thumb|250px|right|In [[graph theory]], the image provides a simplified view of a network, where each of the numbers represents a different node.]]
Blockmodeling can thus be defined as a set of approaches for partitioning units into clusters (also known as positions) and links into blocks, which are further defined by the newly obtained clusters. A block (also blockmodel) is defined as a submatrix, that shows interconnectivity (links) between nodes, present in the same or different clusters.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Each of these positions in the cluster is defined by a set of (in)direct ties to and from other social positions.<ref name="The Algebra of Blockmodeling">{{cite journal |last1=Bonacich |first1=Phillip |last2=McConaghy |first2=Maureen J. |date=1980 |title=The Algebra of Blockmodeling |url= |journal=Sociological Methodology |volume=11 |issue= |pages=489–532 |doi=10.2307/270873}}</ref> These links (connections) can be directed or undirected; there can be multiple links between the same pair of objects or they can have weights on them. If there are not any multiple links in a network, it is called a simple network.<ref>Brian Joseph Ball, ''Blockmodeling techniques for complex networks: doctoral dissertation.'' University of Michigan, 2014.</ref>{{rp|8}}
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