That’ll Move the Chains: Collecting Network Chain Data

Although most network studies involve the collection of either ego or whole network data, a smaller subset of work has focused on the collection of network chain data. Collecting network chain data involves collecting a path in an unobserved whole network, and can be useful for capturing phenomena like degrees of separation or search processes. In this paper, we draw on past network chain data collection studies and reviews to propose a design framework for network chain data collection. Next, we use this framework to describe the qualitative collection of network chain data from a pilot sample of public school educators, and the quantitative collection of network chain data from a statewide sample of 600 public school principals and superintendents. Drawing on lessons learned from these data collection efforts, we discuss specific data collection strategies for improving the quality of network chain data, reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, offering recommendations for future studies involving network chain data collection.