Analysis

The Social Networks Questionnaire (SNQ) is an instrument used to assess the structure, extent, and dynamics of an individual’s social network. Its analysis focuses on both the size of the network and the quality of the relationships within it, as well as the degree of support provided through these relationships.

This approach allows for a broader understanding of the individual’s social environment, since it examines not only the number of social contacts but also whether those relationships are supportive and meaningful.

Aim

The primary aim of the SNQ is to provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s social network, with emphasis on both the quantity and quality of social contacts and the support they provide.

The findings may be used to identify limited social support or social isolation and to inform interventions designed to strengthen social connections and promote psychosocial well-being.

Main Areas of Assessment

Extent of the Social Network: refers to the range and number of an individual’s social contacts.

Quality of Social Relationships: examines whether existing relationships are characterized by positive interaction and support.

Social Support: concerns the support that individuals perceive they receive from their social network.

Social Isolation: may be reflected in a limited social network or a low level of supportive relationships.

Data Analysis and Use

SNQ data may be used to describe the structure and functioning of a person’s social network and to identify areas that may require improvement.

Results may also be used to compare individuals or groups and to examine relationships between social-network characteristics and other psychosocial variables.

In intervention settings, the questionnaire may help identify needs related to social support and may support the evaluation of programs intended to reduce social isolation.

Scoring and Psychometric Evaluation

The calibration of the SNQ is based on the analysis of data from different populations in order to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument.

According to the available material, psychometric evaluation may include:

Internal Consistency: assessment of the degree of consistency among questionnaire items.

Test-Retest Reliability: examination of the stability of scores across repeated administrations.

Convergent Validity: investigation of the association between SNQ scores and other related measures.

Discriminant Validity: examination of whether the questionnaire can be distinguished from measures of different constructs.

Calibration may also contribute to the development of comparative or normative scores for different populations or groups.

Applications

The SNQ may be used in social psychology, health psychology, sociology, and psychosocial research.

It may support research on the relationship between social networks, psychological well-being, social support, and social isolation.

The questionnaire may also contribute to the design and evaluation of interventions intended to strengthen social connectedness and improve the functioning of social relationships.

References

Burt, R. S. (1984). Network items and the General Social Survey. Social Networks, 6(4), 293–339.

Marsden, P. V. (1990). Network data and measurement. Annual Review of Sociology, 16, 435–463.

Fischer, C. S. (1982). To Dwell Among Friends: Personal Networks in Town and City. University of Chicago Press.

Wellman, B., & Berkowitz, S. D. (1988). Social Structures: A Network Approach. Cambridge University Press.