DOI: 10.5061/dryad.63xsj3vbx
title: Directed network analysis of 2-year-old and 4-year-old children

description: This dataset includes triaxial acceleration data collected from 60
 children (2- and 4-year-olds) across three childcare facilities during a
 15-minute free play session. Dyadic (two-person) and triadic
 (three-person) peer relationships were analyzed using a novel-directed
 network analysis method, offering insights into age and sex differences in
 peer interactions. The dataset includes normalized connection counts,
 demographic details, and detailed analyses of interaction directionality.
 This research validates the application of network analysis in early
 childhood studies, reducing observational biases and labor-intensive
 manual coding, and provides a framework for exploring complex social
 dynamics in naturalistic play settings.
description: <strong>Participants:</strong><br>The study
 involved 60 children, with equal representation of 2- and 4-year-olds,
 across three childcare facilities. Informed consent was obtained from the
 participants' legal guardians following ethical guidelines.
 <strong>Data
 Collection:</strong><br>Participants wore wristwatch-style
 triaxial accelerometers (Silmee W22, TDK) during a 15-minute free play
 session. Acceleration data were recorded at 20 Hz to measure individual
 movement intensity and calculate dyadic and triadic peer
 relationships. <strong>Data
 Processing:</strong> 
 <strong>Normalization:</strong> Acceleration data were
 aggregated into 1-second intervals and normalized using Sturges’ formula
 to account for individual variability. 
 <strong>Network Analysis:</strong> Connections were quantified
 using directed graph analysis, identifying dyads and triads based on
 movement entropy thresholds. Entropy values ranged from 0 to 1,
 representing interaction strength. 
 <strong>Statistical
 Analysis:</strong><br>Chi-square tests and ANOVAs were
 performed to analyze age, sex, and directional differences in peer
 relationships. Data standardization addressed variations in potential
 pairings across groups. <strong>Tools and
 Software:</strong><br>Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS
 (ver. 29.0) and a custom network analysis system developed by Hitachi
 Ltd.
description: # Directed network analysis of 2-year-old and 4-year-old children
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.63xsj3vbx](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.63xsj3vbx) ## Description of the data and file structure **Dataset Overview:** This dataset contains information about directed networks among 2-year-old and 4-year-old children. The data reflects interactions in terms of directed connections from one child to another, categorized by their unique identifiers and demographics. ## Files and variables #### File: Directed\_network\_of\_2\_and\_4\_YO\_childlen.xlsx The Excel file consists of four sheets as follows: Sheet1: Dyad Sheet2: Triad Sheet3: Directed NW Sheet4: Directed NW among individuals ### **Sheet description and variables** #### **Sheet 1:** **Dyad** This sheet includes each child's age, gender, and the number of Dyads for each facility. Using this data, comparisons of the number of Dyads were conducted between different ages and genders. **Variables in each column** * Facility (A/B/C) * Age (2-year-old/4-year-old) * Sex (M= male/F = female) * The number of Dyad [Number] #### **Sheet 2:** **Triad** This sheet includes each child's age, gender, and the number of Triads for each facility. Using this data, comparisons of the number of Dyads were conducted between different ages and genders. **Variables in each column** * Facility (A/B/C) * Age (2-year-old/4-year-old) * Sex (M= male/F = female) * The number of Triad [Number] #### Sheet 3: Directed NW This sheet includes each child's age, gender, and the type and number of Proactive or Reactive networks for each facility. Using this data, comparisons were made between the number of Proactive and Reactive networks across different ages and genders. **Variables in each column** * Facility (A/B/C) * Age (2-year-old/4-year-old) * Sex (M= male/F = female) * Condition (Proactive/Reactive) * The number of network [Number] #### Sheet 4: Directed NW among individuals This sheet includes each child's age, gender, source ID (#source), target ID (#Target), and the number of networks connecting the two for each facility. Using this data, we calculated the networks between ages and between genders and conducted comparisons by age and gender. * Facility (A/B/C) * Age (2-year-old/4-year-old) * Source ID (#source) * Sex (M= male/F = female) * Target ID (#Target) * Condition (Proactive/Reactive) * The number of network [Number] ## **Usage Notes:** * Data are anonymized. * The dataset supports analyses of social-emotional development in early childhood settings. * Ensure correct attribution when using or citing this dataset. **Ethical Compliance:** Data collection adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the **Waseda University Ethics Committee (Approval Number: 2023-044).** **Contact:** For additional details, contact the corresponding author: Dr. Norikazu Hirose ([toitsu_hirose@waseda.jp](mailto:toitsu_hirose@waseda.jp)).