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Behavioural patterns in social networks

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Contea

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena)

  • Daniela T. Di Cagno

    (LUISS University, Rome)

  • Emanuela Sciubbad

    (Birkbeck College, University of London)

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the analysis of individual decision making for the formation of social networks, using experimentally generated data. We first analyse the determinants of the individual demand for links under the assumption of agents' static expectations. The results of this exercise subsequently allow us to identify patterns of behaviour that can be subsumed in three strategies of link formation: 1) reciprocator strategy - players propose links to those from whom they have received link proposals in the previous round; 2) myopic best response strategy - players aim to profit from maximisation; 3) opportunistic strategy - players reciprocate link proposals to those who have the largest number of connections. We find that these strategies explain approximately 76% of the observed choices. We finally estimate a mixture model to highlight the proportion of the population who adopt each of these strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Contea & Daniela T. Di Cagno & Emanuela Sciubbad, 2011. "Behavioural patterns in social networks," Jena Economics Research Papers 2011-060, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2011-060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Daniela Cagno & Arianna Galliera & Werner Güth & Noemi Pace, 2018. "Behavioral patterns and reduction of sub-optimality: an experimental choice analysis," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 85(2), pages 151-177, August.
    3. Carrillo, Juan D. & Gaduh, Arya, 2021. "Dynamics and stability of social and economic networks: Experimental evidence," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 1144-1176.
    4. Liangjie Xia & Tingting Guo & Juanjuan Qin & Xiaohang Yue & Ning Zhu, 2018. "Carbon emission reduction and pricing policies of a supply chain considering reciprocal preferences in cap-and-trade system," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 268(1), pages 149-175, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Network formation; Experiments; Multivariate probit models; Mixture models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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