Silver nanoparticles has been prepared by the $gamma$-irradiation and in situ reduction methods. Based on the Raman spectra, TEM images, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns and UV-vis spectra, the in situ reduction method is more stable and the average size of the silver nanoparticles is also smaller than by the $gamma$-irradiation reduction method. It is identified that the silver ions interacting with nonbonding electrons of oxygen atom in the carbonyl group of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) by the in situ reduction method. It is also found advantages of the in situ reduction method including no additional reducing agents, without $gamma$-irradiations treatment and the room temperature treatment suitability.