Measuring Social Networks Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Alayne M. Adams, Columbia University
Sangeetha Madhavan, University of Witwatersrand
Dominique Simon, Health and Addictions Research Inc.

Previous work in Mali indicates that women's social networks influence a range of health outcomes including fertility and child mortality (Adams et al. 2001; Madhavan et al. 2001). To what extent is it possible and/or advisable to include network measures in routine maternal child health surveys? In this paper, we critically examine the feasibility and validity of quantitative and qualitative methods for gathering network data. Using field data from Mali, we assess the reliability of perceived networks of support elicited by questionnaire survey at two points in time. Results indicate remarkable consistency in network size and composition. Qualitative assessments involving the direct observation of network interaction capture the routine networks of women that tend to be overlooked by the survey method. Finally, we comment on the myriad challenges in interpreting network data, and deriving culturally appropriate measures that do not obviate opportunities for cross-cultural comparison.