Egocentric network researchers have recently developed interactive, force-directed, node-
link tools to alleviate the burden of collecting information about ties between alters. In this
study we use a randomized trial with a common stimulus to compare the effectiveness,
efficiency, and satisfaction of new tools to established tools. We find interactive node-link
tools are very satisfying to users and produce accurate data, however it underreported ties,
and results differed considerably between users. The results have implications for any …