Comparing four different methods for measuring personal social networks

• Published in: Social networks 1990-09, Vol.12 (3), p.179-215
• Main Authors: Bernard, H.Russell, Johnsen, Eugene C., Killworth, Peter D., McCarty, Christopher, Shelley, Gene A., Robinson, Scott
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emotions; Florida; Measurement; Mexico City, Mexico; Network Analysis; Social networks; Social Support
• ISSN: 0378-8733; 1879-2111
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-8733(90)90005-T

The rules that govern the formation of human social networks, their persistence & disappearance, & their effects on human behavior & thought are examined. It is suggested that two categories of networks (emotional & social support) are embedded in a well-defined global network consisting of all the people known to an individual. Here, 4 methods of generating networks are compared using a sample of 98 informants in Jacksonville, Fla, & 99 in Mexico City. Findings indicate that: Mexico City Ss reported fewer networks than did those in Jacksonville, nothing accounted for the variation in network size between Ss, women reported more emotional & social support networks than did men, & the occupation level of target in reverse small world experiments predicted the likelihood of choosing location or occupation. It is argued that network research must include systematic, ethnographic studies of how Ss store & retrieve information about their place in the social network around them. Also recommended are investigation of the changes that take place in networks over the S's life, & of how personal networks are embedded in & influence the group structure of networks. 8 Tables, 15 Figures, 18 References. S. Millett