(1979). Social Networks and Psychology. Connections, 2 - INSNA

- 95 -6 . HypothesesAmong anticipated results : a) we expect sheer volume of communication about nutrition and healthmatters to increase from Time I to Time II . b) we expect those villagers who become regular voices on theradio to increase their "connectedness" in village communication networks . c) we expect "radio" to bementioned as an information source more frequently at Time II than at Time I . d) we expect an increasein agreement of perceptions of organizations' goals between villagers and organization employees from TimeI to Time II .7 . ScheduleBecause of unforseen-but not untypical--delays, RER broadcasting will begin in mid-April 1979 . Budgetand other grant specifications require Time II interviews to be conducted in July, allowing but two-anda-halfmonths of participatory programming . The researchers hope to be able to conduct a follow-up surveyat a later date .8 . Requests of readersThe researchers/project coordinators are interested in hearing from readers who have worked in similarcommunication projects and/or have dealt with network analysis in non-urban communities Specifically,we're interested in the mechanics and cost of programming two corresponding (Time I and Time II) sets ofnetwork data . (Sample size for the three villages is 117 subjects .) We'd also like to hear from otherswho have ideas for enhancing the participation package described above .Readers may contact : Bonnie Brownlee and Gary Garriott,Ned WallacecoordinatorsWisconsin-Nicaragua PartnersProyecto RER, Puerto Cabezas or 610 North Walnut StreetDepto . de Zelaya Madison, WI 53706Nicaragua, Centro AmericaMOTHERS'NETWORK STUDYLois Steinberg (National Opinion Research Center, Chicago)The Mothers' Network Study is focused on understanding how mothers develop contacts within and beyondthe community to influence local public school decisions . We are especially interested in networks whichsupport programs or policies that would improve educational services for children whose interests are notrepresented, or are overlooked, by local educational authorities . The study is sponsored by the NationalInstitute of Education .By informal network we mean a group of mothers who got to know each other through shared activities ormutual friends and who use these contacts, rather than membership in a formal organization (such as the PTA)to influence the school program .The networks included in the study are located in two communities, a northeast suburb and a midwestcity . We will interview members of seven networks, other citizens active in school affairs, and schooladministrators affected by the networks . We will also tour neighborhoods and observe school activities tosee how community and school factors affect mothers' opportunities to form informal networks . The findingswill be applied to a comparative analysis of similar community-school factors in five different communitiesin a third city .Some of the questions we will try to answer are : How did the mothers develop the networks? Under whatcircumstances can a network operate effectively? Are networks affected by neighborhood characteristics?Data will be collected by network members and community residents who will also serve as consultantsto the project . A summary of the findings will be prepared especially for these participants .