Inference from Link-Tracing Network Samples

• Activity Number: 627
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 7, 2014 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Statistical and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute
• Author(s): Krista J. Gile*+
• Companies: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Keywords: network sampling ; link-tracing ; respondent-driven sampling ; survey sampling ; adaptive sampling ; networks

Abstract

It is often the case that a population of interest is connected by a network of relations, and that it is beneficial to exploit this network in the sampling process. This typically involves a form of link-tracing sampling, in which subsequent sample units are selected from among the network neighbors of earlier samples.

Although the various link-tracing sampling designs have much in common, the foundational assumptions and approaches of existing inferential strategies vary widely. Inference is also affected by the selection procedure for the initial sample, specifics of the link-tracing process, and other information available about the population.

In this paper, we present a conceptual review of classical and recent approaches to inference from link-tracing network samples, highlighting the foundational assumptions required by the methods and their implications for inference. We review the current state of research and outstanding issues.