Research questions
Based on the literature survey and the identified gaps in understanding the role of the mobile phone for provision and
exchange of social support among older adults, the following explorative research questions were distilled, representing
the research framework for the empirical part of this study.
How is the composition of support networks associated with the frequency of mobile phone communication within emotional
support networks (RQ1a) and social companionship networks (RQ1b)?
What is the relation between different forms of contact (i.e., in-person, landline phone, and mobile phone communication)
in the communication of older adults within their emotional support networks (RQ2a) and social companionship
networks (RQ2b)?
How are the sociodemographic characteristics of older adults associated with the frequency of mobile phone communication
within their emotional support networks (RQ3a) and social companionship networks (RQ3b)?