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. 2024 Jan:76:68-78.
doi: 10.1016/j.socnet.2023.07.002. Epub 2023 Aug 9.

Name order effects in measuring adolescent social networks using rosters

Shuyin Liu  1 , David A Nolin  1 , James A Kitts  1
Affiliations

Name order effects in measuring adolescent social networks using rosters

Shuyin Liu et al. Soc Networks. 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Recent studies have found order effects in social network data collection, where later names on a roster receive fewer nominations. Some thus argue for randomizing name orders or sampling peer names for survey rosters. We model order effects as biases in nomination choices and demonstrate observational and experimental methods for assessing these biases and illuminating their mechanisms. Employing these lenses, we find little evidence of order effects on eight sociometric questions in four middle school cohorts over six waves. To inform future work, we investigate aspects of the survey situation that may amplify or attenuate order effects. Analyzing these moderating forces offers guidance for detecting, understanding, and mitigating order effects in future research.

Keywords: Adolescent Friendships; Data Collection; Measurement Error; Name Rosters; Peer Nomination.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Results of Linear Indegree Models. Unstandardized regression coefficients are presented in the figure. Significant coefficients (p<0.05; two-tailed) are indicated with boldface text. Refer to Table S1 in the Appendix for additional details.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Results of Logistic Nomination Models. Note: Coefficients are in log odds. Significant coefficients (p<0.05; two-tailed) are indicated with boldface text. Refer to Table S2 in the Appendix for additional details.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Logistic Nomination Models of Row and Column Effects. Refer to Table S3 in the Appendix for coefficients and p-values.
Fig 4.
Fig 4.
Name Order Effects in All Schools in Wave 1–2. The triangles represent statistically significant coefficients (p <0.05) and the circles represent non-significant coefficients. The full set of coefficients and p-values is given in Table S2 in the Appendix.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
Distribution of Name Order Effects across Waves. Triangles represent statistically significant coefficients (p <0.05) and the circles represent non-significant coefficients. The full set of coefficients and p-values is given in Table S2 in the Appendix.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6.
(1.5-column fitting image) Results of the Rehearsing Roster Experiment in Wave 1. Refer to Table S4 in the Appendix for coefficients and p-values.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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