Abstract
We report on the use of a highly portable computer for collecting precise and accurate data concerning specific social network ties. Our experience confirmed that a highly portable computer, when loaded with a flexible database management program, is a useful tool for such a task. Data entry can be done during the interview and information retrieval can provide immediate and useful information for the respondents. The use of the computer with semistructured interviews changes the dynamics of the interview situation. A three-way interaction is created between the interviewers, the respondents and the information in the database. We found that there were great benefits from having two or three respondents in the session, and that it was desirable to have two interviewers.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agar, Michael (1983). Microcomputers as field tools,Computers and the Humanities 17: 19–26.
Bates, Frederick L. and Harvey, Clyde C. (1975).The Structure of Social Systems, New York: Gardner Press.
Becker, Howard S., Gordon, Andrew C. and LeBailly, Robert K. (1984). Field work with the computer: Criteria for assessing systems,Qualitative Sociology 7: 16–33.
Bernard, H. Russell and Evans, Michael J. (1983). New microcomputer techniques for anthropologists,Human Organization 2: 181–185.
Bernard, H. Russell, Pertti, Pelto, J., Werner, Oswald, Boster, James, Romney, Kimball, A. Johnson, Allen, Ember, Carol, R. and Kasakoff, Alice (1986). The construction of primary data in cultural anthropology,Current Anthropology 27(4): 382–396.
Breiger, Ronald L. (1974). The duality of persons and groups,Social Forces 53, 181–190.
Doreian, Patrick and Woodard, Katherine L. (1992). Fixed list versus snowball selection of social networks,Social Science Research 21: 216–233.
Dyson-Hudson, Rada and Dyson-Hudson, Nigel (1986). Computers for anthropological field-work,Current Anthropology 27 (5): 530–531.
Fararo, Thomas J. and Doreian, Patrick (1984). Tripartite structural analysis: generalizing the Breiger-Wilson formalism,Social Networks 6: 141–175.
Gaines, Sylvia W. (1974) Computer use at an archaelogical field location,American Antiquity 39: 454–462.
Gerson, Elihu (1984), Qualitative research and the computer,Qualitative Sociology 7: 61–74.
Heise, David R. (1981). Special issue on microcomputers and social research-forward,Sociological Methods and Research 9: 395–396.
Kippen, James (1988). On the uses of computers in anthropological research,Current Anthropology 29(2): 317–320.
Kirk, Rodney C. (1981). Microcomputers in anthropological research,Sociological Methods and Research 9(4): 473–492.
Tropman, John (1984).Policy Management in the Human Services, New York: Columbia University Press.
Weinberg, Daniella and Weinberg, Gerald M. (1972). Using a computer in the field: kinship information,Social Science Information 11(16): 37–59.
Wernet, Stephen P. and Austin, David M. (1991). Decision making style and leadership patterns in nonprofit human service organizations,Administration in Social Work 15(3); 1–17.
Zald, Mayer N. (1969). The power and functions of boards of directors: a theoretical synthesis,American Journal of Sociology 75: 97–111.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Doreian, P., Woodard, K.L. & Kuo, WB. Using a highly portable computer to gather qualitative social network data. Qual Quant 29, 125–139 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01101894
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01101894