Network measures in animal social network analysis: Their strengths, limits, interpretations and uses

We provide an overview of the most commonly used social network measures in animal research for static networks or time-aggregated networks. For each of these measures, we provide clear explanations as to what they measure, we describe their respective variants, we underline the necessity to consider these variants according to the research question addressed, and we indicate considerations that have not been taken so far. We provide a guideline indicating how to use them depending on the data collection protocol, the social system studied and the research question addressed. Finally, we inform about the existent gaps and remaining challenges in the use of several variants and provide future research directions.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of the commonly used social network measures in animal research, explaining what they measure, describing their variants, providing guidelines for their use, and highlighting existing gaps and challenges. Researchers are advised to choose appropriate measures based on their research questions and data collection methods, while also considering future research directions and unresolved issues.