Surveying data on connected personal networks

摘要: This survey study combined name generators with snowball sampling to collect information on personal leisure networks and underlying ‘‘global’’ network structure. Although such an arrangement is not unusual, this large-scale – around 700 respondents reported nearly 15,500 social contacts. Furthermore, chains were limited contacts no further limitation collecting data or continuing recruitment. While our methodological frame allowed analysis of both global structure within one collection, it also included several sources bias. To decrease bias, the employed especially designed mechanisms. The paper examines methodology instrument in detail. It presents a structures as well characteristics population-wide We discuss tools bias statistics their possible impacts, rather surprising results. closes discussion security issues ethical considerations: important factors projects using methodologies. Swiss Federal Data Protection Information Commissioner evaluated study, making section particular interesting for those planning similar projects.