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Specifying Social Weight Matrices of Researcher Networks: The Case of Academic Economists

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  • Katarina Zigova

    (Department of Economics, University of Konstanz, Germany)

Abstract

This paper shows how collaboration and citation networks can be used to specify social weight matrices for a community of researchers. I use two competing theories of social influence on individual behavior, namely communication and comparison. I argue that in research networks collaboration captures communication, while citation captures comparison. I further argue that the comparison principle is likely to be the main social driver of individual research productivity and suggest a benchmark social weight matrix based on this principle. I test the benchmark matrix against several alternatives using a Bayesian model comparison procedure and conclude that the benchmark matrix outperforms alternative specifications. This result lends support to socio-economic theories underling the benchmark specification of the social weight matrix.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarina Zigova, 2017. "Specifying Social Weight Matrices of Researcher Networks: The Case of Academic Economists," Working Paper Series of the Department of Economics, University of Konstanz 2017-10, Department of Economics, University of Konstanz.
    • Handle: RePEc:knz:dpteco:1710
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    File URL: http://www.uni-konstanz.de/FuF/wiwi/workingpaperseries/WP_10_Zigova_2017.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    collaboration and citation networks; social weight matrix; network autocorrelation; research productivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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