Collecting Social Network Data

Abstract

Individual-level social network data are critical to understanding the dynamics that shape many important social outcomes. Survey research is one of the most common methods for collecting these data from individuals. However, there are a number of challenges that this particular task, mapping social networks, poses to survey-based data collection methods and new tools and research are needed to maximize the accuracy of these data. This chapter reviews some of the biggest challenges facing survey-based collection of social network data and highlights some promising new tools that have been developed to address some of these challenges. It also outlines promising directions for future research on how to best collect social network data.