scholarly journals Egocentric Network Exploration for Immersive Analytics

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 241-252
Author(s):  
J. Sorger ◽  
A. Arleo ◽  
P. Kán ◽  
W. Knecht ◽  
M. Waldner
Keyword(s):  
Egocentric Network

scholarly journals An Egocentric Network Contact Tracing Experiment: Testing Different Procedures to Elicit Contacts and Places

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1466
Author(s):  
Andrew Pilny ◽  
C. Joseph Huber
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Medium Effect Size ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
Survey Instruments

Contact tracing is one of the oldest social network health interventions used to reduce the diffusion of various infectious diseases. However, some infectious diseases like COVID-19 amass at such a great scope that traditional methods of conducting contact tracing (e.g., face-to-face interviews) remain difficult to implement, pointing to the need to develop reliable and valid survey approaches. The purpose of this research is to test the effectiveness of three different egocentric survey methods for extracting contact tracing data: (1) a baseline approach, (2) a retrieval cue approach, and (3) a context-based approach. A sample of 397 college students were randomized into one condition each. They were prompted to anonymously provide contacts and populated places visited from the past four days depending on what condition they were given. After controlling for various demographic, social identity, psychological, and physiological variables, participants in the context-based condition were significantly more likely to recall more contacts (medium effect size) and places (large effect size) than the other two conditions. Theoretically, the research supports suggestions by field theory that assume network recall can be significantly improved by activating relevant activity foci. Practically, the research contributes to the development of innovative social network data collection methods for contract tracing survey instruments.

Best Practices for Modeling Egocentric Social Network Data and Health Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672110137
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Burgette ◽  
Jacquelin Rankine ◽  
Alison J. Culyba ◽  
Kar-Hai Chu ◽  
Kathleen M. Carley
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Egocentric Networks ◽  
Covariate Selection ◽  
Social Network Modeling ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
The Impact

Objective/Aim: We describe best practices for modeling egocentric networks and health outcomes using a five-step guide. Background: Social network analysis (SNA) is common in social science fields and has more recently been used to study health-related topics including obesity, violence, substance use, health organizational behavior, and healthcare utilization. SNA, alone or in conjunction with spatial analysis, can be used to uniquely evaluate the impact of the physical or built environment on health. The environment can shape the presence, quality, and function of social relationships with spatial and network processes interacting to affect health outcomes. While there are some common measures frequently used in modeling the impact of social networks on health outcomes, there is no standard approach to social network modeling in health research, which impacts rigor and reproducibility. Methods: We provide an overview of social network concepts and terminology focused on egocentric network data. Egocentric, or personal networks, take the perspective of an individual who identifies their own connections (alters) and also the relationships between alters. Results: We describe best practices for modeling egocentric networks and health outcomes according to the following five-step guide: (1) model selection, (2) social network exposure variable and selection considerations, (3) covariate selection related to sociodemographic and health characteristics, (4) covariate selection related to social network characteristics, and (5) analytic considerations. We also present an example of SNA. Conclusions: SNA provides a powerful repertoire of techniques to examine how relationships impact attitudes, experiences, and behaviors—and subsequently health.

Correlates of Medical Mistrust Among Minority Women at Risk for HIV and Their Networks

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812098678
Author(s):  
Laura M. Johnson ◽  
Harold D. Green ◽  
Brandon Koch ◽  
Robert Harding ◽  
Jamila K. Stockman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Medical Mistrust ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Medical mistrust is a barrier to engaging in HIV prevention and treatment, including testing and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Research often focuses on how race and experiences of discrimination relate to medical mistrust, overlooking the role that other characteristics may play (e.g., history of physical abuse, diagnosis of mental illness). Furthermore, studies are often restricted to samples of men who have sex with men and findings may not generalize to other at-risk groups. Aims The current study explores a range of demographic, cognitive, behavioral, and social network correlates of medical mistrust. Method This study employed an egocentric network design among a racially diverse sample of at-risk women and women in their social networks ( n = 165). Results Results from multivariable linear regressions stratified by race (Black vs. others) indicate that medical mistrust is associated with both individual-level and network-level characteristics. Across both groups, age and experiences of racial discrimination were associated with higher medical mistrust. Having a regular sex partner and having a higher proportion of network members who are family was significantly associated with medical mistrust among non-Black women. Discussion Individual-level and network-level variables were significantly associated with medical mistrust. Therefore, interventions that attempt to mitigate medical mistrust as a barrier to HIV prevention and treatment should consider how mistrust may be related to characteristics of individuals and broader contexts. Conclusion Health interventions may benefit from conceiving of medical mistrust as a complex, rational response to cumulative discriminatory life experiences and a reflection of the networks within which individuals are embedded.

scholarly journals Time-Aware Egocentric Network-Based User Profiling

2018 ◽  
pp. 3113-3119
Author(s):  
Sirinya On-At ◽  
Marie-Françoise Canut ◽  
André Péninou ◽  
Florence Sèdes
Keyword(s):  
User Profiling ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
Time Aware

scholarly journals Motivations for PrEP-Related Interpersonal Communication Among Women Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Egocentric Network Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-99
Author(s):  
Marisa Felsher ◽  
Emmanuel Koku ◽  
Stephen Lankenau ◽  
Kathleen Brady ◽  
Scarlett Bellamy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Information Diffusion ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
Social Network Approach ◽  
Women Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Interpersonal Characteristics ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Depth Interviews

A qualitative egocentric social network approach was taken to explore motivations for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-related communication between women who inject drugs and network members. Eligible participants were HIV-negative, 18 years or older, and participating in a PrEP demonstration project in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The study employed content analysis of in-depth interviews to identify themes related to contextual and relational factors impacting PrEP communication within networks. Participants ( n = 20) named on average three network members, resulting in a total of 57 unique relationships. PrEP conversations occurred within 30 of the 57 relationships, and motivations were to benefit others, to benefit themselves, and due to a sense of obligation. Some conversations also occurred when a peer unexpectedly found their pills. Taking a qualitative approach to network analysis provided a nuanced understanding of how interpersonal characteristics motivated PrEP conversations. Network interventions that facilitate information diffusion and social support may increase PrEP uptake and adherence among women who inject drugs.

The role of egocentric networks in achieving resilience: a case study from the apparel sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 682-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyotirmoyee Bhattacharjya
Keyword(s):  
Supply Network ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Egocentric Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the egocentric network-based strategies used by upstream firms to ensure their own resilience when the disruptions originate with downstream partners. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach as this is well-suited to the investigation of a complex phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Findings The study finds that the egocentric networks of upstream firms participating in the supply network of a retailer could ensure their own resilience even after the sudden demise of the downstream entity. Originality/value The study addresses the lack of adequate empirical research examining resilience from the perspectives of multiple entities in a supply network. It is also one of the few papers to address resilience from the perspective of upstream players in the context of a disruption originating with downstream partners. The findings suggest that the lack of visibility in relation to the financial health of more powerful downstream partners could be problematic from a supplier’s perspective. It identifies well-developed egocentric networks as being essential for minimizing consequences of limited downstream visibility and the impact on social capital.

scholarly journals The Size and Heterogeneity of Egocentric Networks and Social Integration in Hungary

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 845-865
Author(s):  
Márton Gerő ◽  
Gábor Hajdu
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Egocentric Networks ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Internal Side ◽  
Objective Indicators

In this study, we examine the relationship between objective and subjective dimensions of social integration and the size and heterogeneity of an egocentric network using nationally representative databases from Hungary. We measure social integration with the level of trust and the level of public participation (objective dimension) and with individuals’ self-evaluation of whether they are integrated (subjective dimension). Our results show that while the size and heterogeneity of the egocentric network are positively associated, the proportion of relatives among strong ties correlates negatively with objective indicators of social integration. The heterogeneity of weak ties is related positively to public participation. The correlation between the size and composition of egocentric networks and subjective integration is less clear: The proportion of relatives among strong ties seems to be unrelated to the external side of perceived social integration, while it is associated positively with the internal side of subjective integration. The number of strong ties seems to be positively correlated with both sides of subjective integration. These results suggest that higher levels of social integration cannot be achieved without concentrating on more than one of the network’s dimensions. They also underline the need to pay more attention to network characteristics and social support not only regarding perceived social integration but also regarding objective indicators of social integration.

Discussion Networks

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott D. McClurg ◽  
Casey A. Klofstad ◽  
Anand Edward Sokhey
Keyword(s):  
Political Behavior ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Causal Inferences ◽  
Core Networks ◽  
Network Research ◽  
Political Network ◽  
Political Outcomes ◽  
Egocentric Network ◽  
History Of ◽  
Full Network

While political network research is often a holistic enterprise, the network paradigm can also be used to study individual behavior. Specifically, rather than focusing on full network structures, a well-established area of research considers individuals’ “core” networks, their perceptions of interpersonal connections, and the consequences of said micro-social environments for myriad political outcomes and processes. This chapter examines this research tradition, tracing the history of its use in the study of political behavior. It begins with discussion of network research, paying specific attention to “egocentric” network name generator techniques. It then outlines several challenges to this research paradigm: (1) the difficulty of making causal inferences, (2) debates over concept and measurement, and (3) questions about mechanisms of influence. The chapter concludes by reviewing advances in the field that have developed from these challenges and points toward next steps in this research agenda, focused on the connected citizenry.

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