I am not exactly sure what you mean by 'large' population size or by getting the 'same sample size for each node'. I don't really understand how far you've come in network generation or what type of SNA you are doing.

Since you have a large population then you are doing a complete network analysis? Have you completed your network survey? That should guide your sampling. Additionally, there are numerous ways on sampling rare populations if this is what worries you.

If you are referring to sub-populations there are papers which can help you with specific aspects of the so-called hard-to-count sub-populations. You will have to identify the problems though before figuring out an approach.

I am not exactly sure what you mean by 'large' population size or by getting the 'same sample size for each node'. I don't really understand how far you've come in network generation or what type of SNA you are doing.

Since you have a large population then you are doing a complete network analysis? Have you completed your network survey? That should guide your sampling. Additionally, there are numerous ways on sampling rare populations if this is what worries you.

If you are referring to sub-populations there are papers which can help you with specific aspects of the so-called hard-to-count sub-populations. You will have to identify the problems though before figuring out an approach.

What type of project are you doing?  What are the Nodes?  What relationships/flows/associations between the nodes are you seeking?

Most network studies do not look at samples... are you looking to sample the nodes or links?  Where is your data located or will you be surveying people?  More details will help us help you!

Hi, Good Afternoon,

Social network analysis (SNA) is the mapping and measuring of relationships and flows between people, groups, organizations, computers, URLs, and other connected information/knowledge entities. The nodes in the network are the people and groups while the links show relationships or flows between the nodes. SNA provides both a visual and a mathematical analysis of human relationships. Management consultants use this methodology with their business clients and call it Organizational Network Analysis.

This network effectively shows the distinction between the three most popular individual centrality measures: Degree Centrality, Betweenness Centrality, and Closeness Centrality.

The answer above, from Senthilvel Vasudevan (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Senthilvel_Vasudevan), was taken from this web site...

http://www.orgnet.com/sna.html

which is a very good source of introductory information to SNA.

The web site is mine.  ;-)

Valdis

Dear Nayomi,

I suggest this book:

Social Network Analysis: Methods and Applications

by Stanley Wasserman and Katherine Faust

Best wishes,

Vanessa

Dear RG colleague,

Determining the sample sizes involve resource and statistical issues. Usually, researchers regard 100 participants as the minimum sample size when the population is large. However, In most studies the sample size is determined effectively by two factors: (1) the nature of data analysis proposed and (2) estimated response rate.

For example, if you plan to use a linear regression a sample size of 50+ 8K is required, where K is the number of predictors. Some researchers believes it is desirable to have at least 10 respondents for each item being tested in a factor analysis, Further, up to 300 responses is not unusual for Likert scale development according to other researchers.

Another method of calculating the required sample size is using the Power and Sample size program (www.power-analysis.com).

Regards,