Lusher D., Koskinen J., Robins G. (eds.) Exponential Random Graph Models for Social Networks. Theory, Methods, and Applications

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012. — 338 p. — (Structural Analysis in the Social Sciences). — ISBN: 978-0-521-19356-6.Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) are increasingly applied to observed network data and are central to understanding social structure and network processes. The chapters in this edited volume provide a self-contained, exhaustive account of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of ERGMs, including models for univariate, multivariate, bipartite, longitudinal and social-influence type ERGMs. Each method is applied in individual case studies illustrating how social science theories may be examined empirically using ERGMs. The authors supply the reader with sufficient detail to specify ERGMs, fit them to data with any of the available software packages and interpret the results.Intent of This Book
Software and Data
Structure of the Book
How To Read This Book
Assumed Knowledge of Social Network Analysis
Rationale
What Are Exponential Random Graph Models?
Exponential Random Graph Models: A Short Definition
ERGM Theory
Brief History of ERGMs
Network Data Amenable to ERGMs
Formation of Social Network Structure
Tie Formation: Emergence of Structure
Framework for Explanations of Tie Formation
Simplified Account of an Exponential Random Graph Model as a Statistical Model
Random Graphs
Distributions of Graphs
Some Basic Ideas about Statistical Modeling
Homogeneity
Example Exponential Random Graph Model Analysis
Applied ERGM Example: Communication in “The Corporation”
ERGM Model and Interpretation
Methods
Exponential Random Graph Model Fundamentals
Chapter Outline
Network Tie-Variables
Notion of Independence
ERGMs from Generalized Linear Model Perspective
Possible Forms of Dependence
Different Classes of Model Specifications
Other Model SpecificationsDependence Graphs and Sufficient Statistics
Chapter Outline
Dependence Graph
Dependence Graphs Involving AttributesSocial Selection, Dyadic Covariates, and Geospatial Effects
Individual, Dyadic, and Other Attributes
ERGM Social Selection Models
Dyadic Covariates
Geospatial EffectsAutologistic Actor Attribute Models
Social Influence Models
Extending ERGMs to Distribution of Actor Attributes
Possible Forms of Dependence
Different Model Specifications and Their InterpretationExponential Random Graph Model Extensions: Models for Multiple Networks and Bipartite Networks
Multiple Networks
Bipartite Networks
Longitudinal Models
Network Dynamics
Data Structure
Model
Relations to Other ModelsSimulation, Estimation, and Goodness of Fit
Exploring and Relating Model to Data in Practice
Simulation: Obtaining Distribution of Graphs for a Given ERGM
Estimation
Solving the Likelihood Equation
Testing Effects
Degeneracy and Near-Degeneracy
Missing or Partially Observed Data
Conditional Estimation from Snowball Samples
Goodness of Fit
Illustrations: Simulation, Estimation, and Goodness of Fit
Simulation
Estimation and Model Specification
GOF
Applications
Personal Attitudes, Perceived Attitudes, and Social Structures: A Social Selection Model
Perceptions of Others and Social Behavior
Data and Measures
Model Specification
Results
Discussion
How To Close a Hole: Exploring Alternative Closure Mechanisms in Interorganizational Networks
Mechanisms of Network Closure
Data and Measures
Model Specification
Results
Discussion
Interdependencies between Working Relations: Multivariate ERGMs for Advice and Satisfaction
Multirelational Networks in Organizations
Data, Measures, and Analyses
Descriptive Results
Multivariate ERGM Results
Discussion
Brain, Brawn, or Optimism? Structure and Correlates of Emergent Military Leadership
Emergent Leadership in Military Context
Model Specification
Results
Dicussion
Autologistic Actor Attribute Model Analysis of Unemployment: Dual Importance of Who You Know and Where You Live
Unemployment: Location and Connections
Data, Analysis, and Estimation
Results
Discussion
Longitudinal Changes in Face-to-Face and Text Message–Mediated Friendship Networks
Evolution of Friendship Networks, Communication Media, and Psychological Dispositions
Data and Measures
Model Specification
Results
Discussion
Differential Impact of Directors’ Social and Financial Capital on Corporate Interlock Formation
Bipartite Society: The Individual and the Group
Data and Measures
Model Specification
Results
Discussion
Comparing Networks: Structural Correspondence between Behavioral and Recall Networks
Relationship between Behavior and Recall
Data and Measures
Results
Preliminary Statistical Analysis
Univariate Models
Models of Recall Networks with Behavioral Networks as Covariates
Multivariate Models
Discussion
Future
Modeling Social Networks: Next Steps
Distinctive Features of ERGMs
Model Specification
General Issues for ERGMs