scholarly journals Collecting large personal networks in a representative sample of Dutch women

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Stulp
Keyword(s):  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Missing Values ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Respondent Burden ◽  
Visual Elements ◽  
Significant Burden

In this study we report on our experiences with collecting large personal network data (25 alters) from a representative sample of Dutch women. We made use of GENSI, a recently developed tool for network data collection using interactive visual elements that has been shown to reduce respondent burden. A sample of 758 women between the ages of 18 and 40 were recruited through the LISS-panel; a longitudinal online survey of Dutch men and women. Respondents were asked to name exactly 25 alters, answer sixteen questions about these alters (name interpreter questions), and assess all 300 alter-alter relations. Nearly all (97%) respondents reported on 25 alters. Non-response was minimal: 92% of respondents had no missing values, and an additional 5% had fewer then 10% missing values. Listing 25 alters took 3.5±2.2 (mean±SD) minutes, and reporting on the ties between these alters took 3.6±1.3 minutes. Answering all alter question took longest with a time of 15.2±5.3 minutes. The majority of respondents thought the questions were clear and easy to answer, and most enjoyed filling in the survey. Collecting large personal networks can mean a significant burden to respondents, but through the use of visual elements in the survey, it is clear that it can be done within reasonable time and enjoyment and without much non-response.

scholarly journals Balancing Bias and Burden in Personal Network Studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Stadel ◽  
Gert Stulp
Keyword(s):  
Network Size ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Study Participation ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Respondent Burden ◽  
Structural Network ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
Network Studies

Personal network data is increasingly used to answer research questions about the interplay between individuals (i.e., egos) and their social environment (i.e., alters). Researchers designing such data collections face a trade-off: When eliciting a high number of alters, study participation can be particularly burdensome as all data is obtained by surveying the ego. Eliciting a low number of alters, however, may incur bias in network characteristics. In the present study we use a sample of 701 Dutch women and their personal networks of 25 alters to investigate two strategies reducing respondent burden in personal network data collections: (1) eliciting fewer alters and (2) selecting a random subsample from the original set of elicited alters for full assessment. We present the amount of bias in structural and compositional network characteristics connected to applying these strategies as well as the potential study time gain for every possible network size (2 to 24 alters) as a proxy for respondent burden reduction. Our results can aid researchers designing a personal network study to balance respondent burden and bias in estimates for a range of compositional and structural network characteristics.

Measuring personal networks with surveys

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Kogovšek ◽  
Valentina Hlebec
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Measurement Method ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Event Generator ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Financial Time ◽  
Respondent Burden ◽  
The Social ◽  
Basic Approaches

Like in other fields of inquiry in the social sciences, in social network research the most frequently used measurement method is the survey. Compared with other measurement objects such as networks of opinions, attitudes or values, measurement is more complex and thus often more challenging. Measurement typically occurs in two main phases. First, network units are measured (generated). Second, the relationships among the units and other unit characteristics (e.g. demographic properties) are determined, while some specific questions arise as to whether whole or egocentric (personal) networks are to be measured. In this paper, we limit ourselves to measuring personal networks, especially when compared with different methods for generating networks. There are five basic approaches to generating a personal network: name generator, role generator, event generator, positional generator, and contextual generator. Each is associated with particular research goals, costs (financial, time, respondent burden), advantages, and limitations. Moreover, the complexity and specifics of generating networks mean one must consider the characteristics of data collection modes (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, web). In this sense, we will present the advantages and limits of various methods of generating personal networks, evaluate them critically and comparatively, and illustrate them with often used examples.

Assessing Social Entrepreneurs' Personal Network for Resource Acquisition

2019 ◽  
pp. 154-186
Author(s):  
Susana Bernardino ◽  
José Freitas Santos
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Quantitative Approach ◽  
Resource Acquisition ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Network Approach ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Personal Network

Social entrepreneurial activity is characterized by the innovative search for resource acquisition, combination, and management to pursue opportunities aiming at fulfilling the organization's mission. The network approach to entrepreneurship assumes that entrepreneurs use their personal network to acquire resources and manage the assets of the organization. This chapter intends to analyze whether social entrepreneurs use their personal network to acquire different resources. The investigation uses a quantitative approach, based on an online survey of individuals involved in the management of Portuguese social organizations. The results attained reveal that social entrepreneurs are usually involved in strong and diversified networks. Their personal networks shape the way human, financial, and informational resources are obtained and managed. The major influence is made by social entrepreneurs' indirect contacts (weak ties) and the benefits they perceive these networks are able to provide.

Important relationships in a multilevel world: The role of network structure in explaining closeness of relationships and access to resources in later life

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110093
Author(s):  
Mahin Raissi ◽  
Robert Ackland
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Statistical Model ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Access To Resources

We examine why some relationships are more important than others, using a multilevel statistical model and data on personal networks of Australians 50 years and older, collected via a purpose-built Facebook application. While the network data were collected automatically, participants in our study provided data on the importance of their relationships, measured by perceived closeness and access to resources. We find that the information on how network members are connected with each other (network structure) provides powerful insights into what makes a relationship important. When importance is measured by closeness of relationship, important alters are kin, and are alters who are highly connected with others or act as bridges between different groups. When importance is measured by access to resources, important alters are those who act as bridges and are in more densely-knit networks. We discuss our findings in a broader context of research into important relationships in later life, and collecting personal network data via online social networks.

scholarly journals Changes in Caregiver Personal Support Networks: Gender Differences and Effects on Health (CUIDAR-SE Study)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11723
Author(s):  
María Nieves Rodríguez-Madrid ◽  
María del Río-Lozano ◽  
Rosario Fernández-Peña ◽  
María del Mar García-Calvente
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Personal Network ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Caregiver Health ◽  
Network Losses ◽  
Over Time

Technological changes have led to important advances in medical diagnoses and treatments that prolong the informal care process. Support from the personal network of informal caregivers is an undervalued resource and the changes that have occurred over time are unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in personal network support among informal caregivers and to examine the effect of these changes on self-perceived caregiver health, with a focus on differences between men and women and caregivers with high and low levels of burden We also investigated caregiver perceptions and explanations of changes to their support network (losses and additions and no change). Using a mixed-methods approach, data were obtained from 32 caregivers that were intentionally selected in Spain, who were interviewed twice with a one-year interval. In the quantitative phase, personal networks analysis was performed with Egonet software, which obtained data on the composition and functional content in social support from 1600 personal relationships (25 alters for each ego in the two waves). In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the two waves with a guide in order to explore the changes in informal support resources over time. The selected men with high levels of burden pointed out a loss of network support with more discouraging reports compared with the low-burden male caregivers. Furthermore, the selected women with low burden levels mentioned losses too; however, their reports were more positive. Women reported improved health, especially those with low burden scores in the first wave and those who did not lose support. Caregivers with a high initial burden and who lost support reported worse health, particularly men and women with a strong sense of duty toward care. Social support from personal networks is important for caregiver health and its effects are influenced by gender roles. Our findings could help by improving the relational and social capital of informal caregivers and adapting them to the new needs of formal home care systems.

scholarly journals Three Versions of the Perceived Stress Scale: Psychometric Evaluation in a Nationally Representative Sample of Chinese Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8312
Author(s):  
Zhuang She ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Ningning Zhou ◽  
Juzhe Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Nationally Representative

(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has created pressure in people’s daily lives, further threatening public health. Thus, it is important to assess people’s perception of stress during COVID-19 for both research and practical purposes. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is one of the most widely used instruments to measure perceived stress; however, previous validation studies focused on specific populations, possibly limiting the generalization of results. (2) Methods: This study tested the psychometric properties of three versions of the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14, CPSS-10, and CPSS-4) in the Chinese general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A commercial online survey was employed to construct a nationally representative sample of 1133 adults in Mainland China (548 males and 585 females) during a one-week period. (3) Results: The two-factor (positivity and negativity) solution for the three versions of the CPSS showed a good fit with the data. The CPSS-14 and CPSS-10 had very good reliability and the CPSS-4 showed acceptable reliability. Scores on all three versions of the CPSS were significantly correlated in the expected direction with health-related variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, and perceived COVID-19 risk), supporting the concurrent validity of the CPSS. (4) Conclusions: All three versions of the CPSS appear to be appropriate for use in research with samples of adults in the Chinese general population under the COVID-19 crisis. The CPSS-10 and CPSS-14 both have strong psychometric properties, but the CPSS-10 would have more utility because it is shorter than the CPSS-14. However, the CPSS-4 is an acceptable alternative when administration time is limited.

Measuring Sex and Gender in Aging and Alzheimer’s Research: Results of a National Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shana D Stites ◽  
Hannah Cao ◽  
Kristin Harkins ◽  
Jason D Flatt
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sociocultural Diversity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Published Research

Abstract Objective Differences between men and women are common in published research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). What do these differences mean? To answer this, rigorous measurement is needed. We investigated current methods for measuring sex/gender in aging and AD/ADRD cohort studies. Method An online survey was sent to NIA-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) (n=38) and investigator-initiated cohort studies (n=38) to assess practices around enrollment of men and women and measurement of sex and gender. Results The response rate was 65.8% (n=50). All enrolled men and all but two investigator-initiated studies enrolled women. Most cohorts (43/50) had no documented definitions for categories of “men” or “women”. Over 85% of cohorts relied solely on self-report questions to capture sex/gender data (n=43/50). Issues with administration were also identified (n=7). Discussion Our findings identify gaps in current approaches used to measure sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. We discuss opportunities to bridge these gaps and advance measurement of sex and gender in aging and AD/ADRD research. Changes are needed to ensure inclusion and representation of sociocultural diversity in research samples, and consistency in data collection in aging and AD/ADRD research.

Engineering Education for All

2018 ◽  
pp. 1280-1294
Author(s):  
Roofia Galeshi
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Computer Engineering ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
American University ◽  
Face To Face

For many men and women across the world, distance education has improved access to higher education. Distance education could potentially help bridge the gap that divides the East and the West. A group of highly motivated young men and women from the Middle-East with undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science students were given an opportunity to earn a Ph.D. degree from a high ranking American university. These highly motivated men and women then were asked to participate in an online survey that aimed at comparing their perception of online education versus face-to-face education. The result indicated that there was no association between the students' degree of self-efficacy and feeling of inclusion in online versus face-to-face courses. Moreover, the result indicated that there was no association between gender and self-efficacy regardless of the medium of the choice.

scholarly journals Elevated Serum Uric Acid and Self-Reported Heart Failure in US Adults: 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 344-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Stone ◽  
Michael R. Richardson ◽  
Larry Guevara ◽  
Bethany G. Rand ◽  
James R. Churilla
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
National Health ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Health And Nutrition

Introduction: There is limited evidence examining the relationship between elevated serum uric acid (sUA) concentration and heart failure (HF) in United States (US) adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the association(s) between elevated sUA and HF using a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: The final sample with complete data for this analysis (n = 17,349) included men and women aged ≥40 years who participated in the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Self-reported diagnosis of HF was assessed via interview. Elevated sUA was defined as values >6.0 mg/dL for women and >7.2 mg/dL for men. Multivariable gender-stratified logistic regression was utilized to examine the odds of self-reported HF. Results: The estimated prevalence of HF was 3.9 and 3.4% among men and women, respectively. Age-adjusted analysis revealed significantly increased odds of HF in men (OR 2.79; 95% CI 2.15–3.84, p < 0.01) and women (OR 3.24; 95% CI 2.37–4.44, p < 0.01) with elevated sUA. This relationship remained statistically significant following adjustment for age, race, education, income, alcohol consumption, smoking status, blood pressure, diabetes, physical activity level, cholesterol, creatinine level, and body mass index in men (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.13–2.57 p < 0.05) and women (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.18–2.58, p < 0.05). Conclusions: In a representative sample of US adults, having an elevated sUA concentration was associated with significantly increased odds of HF when compared to adults with normal sUA.

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