Connecting the dots: Constructing sociometric networks from personal network data

Instructor: April Young

Description

Using practical examples from public health research, this module will provide information about the following:

• • How to collect personal network (egocentric) data in a way that allows you to construct whole (sociometric) networks, and

  • How to cross-reference personal network data to construct sociometric networks.

Standard protocols involve asking participants, or egos, to give the name and basic demographic information (i.e., gender, race, age) of their network members, or alters. Study staff then cross reference these data with that of other participants and named alters to construct a sociometric network representing all direct and indirect connections among participants. Due to information bias, low literacy, and the transience of many relationships, the data used in cross-referencing can be inconsistent. Thus, the process of constructing a sociometric network can be laborious and subjective. In this mini-module, we will discuss complications that arise when trying to construct sociometric networks from personal network data, drawing on examples from research in HIV and substance abuse. Then, we will suggest strategies and discuss technologies that allow researchers to mitigate these complications and more easily and reliably construct sociometric networks.