Participant and network mapping

Researchers map known relationships and possible connections among the local participants. They begin with acquaintance and public-source research where available, revise the map after each visit, compare it again after the event. The map can connect people, communities, practices, influences, questions, possessions.

Known and latent relations

Known relations involve prior contact. Mediated relations can involve a shared institution, platform, practice, community. Researchers can identify unrecognized common influences, relevant differences in expertise, complementary questions, useful disagreement. They retain the source and date behind each proposed connection.

The mapping operates across pairs and groups. Existing friends may reveal a previously unfamiliar shared question. Several strangers may approach a practice through different experiences. A curator can examine the possible group rather than selecting independent pairs. Comparison, groups, encounter reasons explain the use.

Researchers distinguish a new institutional record from a new relationship between people. They examine existing ties, actual event contact, proposed introductions, subsequent activity through their different accounts. Local selection and trust inquiry supply further context.