Table 2 Social network parameters and their definitions
Term | Whole network or individual? | Definition |
|---|---|---|
Node | Both | A node is a member of a network |
Tie | Both | A tie represents a self-reported link between two nodes |
Density | Whole network | The number of actual ties divided by the number of possible ties. Reported as a percentage |
Reciprocity | Whole network | The extent to which ties between any two nodes is acknowledged by both. If there is full agreement across the network then reciprocity = 1.0; no agreement = 0.0 |
Clustering | Whole network | The extent to which nodes are grouped by an attribute |
E-I Index | Whole network | External-internal index looks at actual ties versus expected ties relating to a certain attribute. It compares ties to members within that group (internal) to those outside (external) that group. Results are between −1.0 and +1.0 and have a p value |
Degree | Both | Number of ties per node (either nominated by others or by the member themselves) |
Indegree | Individuals | Number of ties reported by others directed to the focal member |
Outdegree | Individuals | Number of ties reported by the focal member |
Centrality | Individuals | Members with the highest interaction (ties to and from) with others |
Betweenness centrality | Individuals | Members who have brokerage potential as they lie on the shortest path between two nodes that are not directly linked |