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Fellow SOCNETizens,

I would like your thoughts on some particular questions RE directionality in
a support/oppose network based on 5 primary nodes...

I am working with a network that is based on extremely limited information -
and there is no changing that...The network has 5 primary nodes, w/ each
node having links to a/b 50-100 sub-nodes.

Due to the paucity of information that I am working with, , I have only
enough direct evidence/information to establish a link from A to B in a/b
80% of the relationships (and a majority of these are 'low certainty' vice
'high certainty'), but no direct evidence to establish a reciprocal link
from B to A.  Based on the information in a/b 25% of those cases, I could
concievably assess the relationship is mutual (and that is an overestimate).
So basically, 65% of my information only informs me of a unidirectional
link.

So, I see myself as having 3 options:

1) Base directionality on evidence - in which case I would only have
corresponding links between two nodes for under 25% of the nodes.  This, I
feel, would only tell me the limits of the information I am working with,
the gaps of the information on the network, etc...and this potential answer
is one that is already known in general, and is not the question I have been
asked to answer...

2) Base directionality on personal assessment - in which case the integrity
of my analysis is diminished b/c the assessments will be subjective, and may
not hold up to scrutiny of reviewers, and therefore not be treated as a
useful study...

3) Forego the use of directionality all together, unless I have direct
evidence of a non-mutual relationship (A supports B, but B opposes A).

The people I work with stick to the party line that directionality is a
must, that lack of directionality in a network analysis will skew the
metrics, etc...do all/some of you agree? Which option should I take - 1, 2,
or 3?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

V/R
Alex Chopan

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