Table.

Perspective on Social Networks: Foundations, Interpretation, Impact/Outcome

Sources	Foundations	Interpretation/Process	Impact/Outcome
Waldrop6; Kauffman7: Santa Fe Institute, complexity theorists	People tend to organize according to needs, purpose; collaboration/adaptation of networks occurs in cells, organisms, humans, communities, and systems	Observation, interviews, assessments, verification	Understanding these networks strengthens interventions in business, social health services, politics, funding
Wheatley8–10; Wiles et al11	Community/network is the human web of connection, perseverance, and resilience	Social discourse, re-engagement of people in their communities	Resolution of problems, social civil activism, and work for change
Greenhalg12; Kotelchuck et al13	Core concepts: interpersonal communication and influence; partnership	Use social activity surveys to map social networks	Innovations, evidence, change; meet community needs, improve social determinants of health, policy
Grbich14	Understanding patterns of interaction is key	Identify people, assess relational dynamics/power, produce a graphical analysis, confirm/adapt with data over time	Insight regarding key linkages, patterns, group behaviors over time
Holmes and Joseph15	Social participation improves older adults health, works as a protective factor	Provide network of services, opportunities for affiliation/dialogue	Improvements in morbidity/mortality, self-managed illness, symptoms
Madison16	Performance as social behavior gives insight to people’s priorities, actions, motives	Analyze actions, communication patterns, scenes (contexts), agents (persons), agency (means, tools, instruments), and purpose (aim/objective)	Accurate interpretation of human actions, what they mean, and how we may support or help