Ego networks and network perceptions

Sources of ego networks

• Surveys of individuals
• “Extraction” from complete network
• Usually one step from ego

Example - Full network

Example - Ego network highlighted

Example - Ego network

What can we measure about ego networks?

• Degree centrality (size)
• Density
• Groups
• Distance
• Homogeneity
• Homophily
• Composition

How can we use ego network data?

• GSS data
  • Changes over time
  • Comparison by location
• Predicting individual outcomes
  • Health
  • Employment
  • Happiness

Network Perception

Ego networks are the only part of the networks that we see

• But are they real?
• Perceived networks differ from observed networks (Bernard, Kilworth, and Sailer)
  • “What people say about their communications bears no resemblance to their behavior” (BKS, 1982)
• “Friendship” is often not mutual

So what?

• Perceptions are what influence actions
• Potential network vs. “activated” network (Smith et al., 2012)
  • Part of wealth and opportunity disparity may be due to differences in network activation

How can we overcome perception biases?

• Get information from others
  • Build picture of whole network (Krackhardt et al)
• Think in terms of potential networks and activation and mobilization
• Recognize the value of “weak ties”