Comparing the Structure and Stability of Network Ties Using the Social Support Questionnaire and the Social Network List

Abstract

To compare the structure and stability of personal networks elicited by two popular network assessment instruments, 102 undergraduates completed the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Social Network List (SNL) twice over a 4-week interval. At both times of measurement, respondents delineated significantly larger networks using the SNL than using the SSQ, with a larger average number of friends being elicited by the SNL. Respondents averaged significantly higher global network satisfaction ratings for SSQ networks relative to SNL networks at both times of measurement. More of the same individual network members' names were repeated at the second time of measurement and more new network members were added at the second time of measurement on the SNL than on the SSQ. Implications for network research are discussed.