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Comparing the real‐world performance of exponential‐family random graph models and latent order logistic models for social network analysis

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  • Duncan A. Clark
  • Mark S. Handcock

Abstract

Exponential‐family random graph models (ERGMs) are widely used in social network analysis when modelling data on the relations between actors. ERGMs are typically interpreted as a snapshot of a network at a given point in time or in a final state. The recently proposed Latent Order Logistic model (LOLOG) directly allows for a latent network formation process. We assess the real‐world performance of these models when applied to typical networks modelled by researchers. Specifically, we model data from an ensemble of articles in the journal Social Networks with published ERGM fits, and compare the ERGM fit to a comparable LOLOG fit. We demonstrate that the LOLOG models are, in general, in qualitative agreement with the ERGM models, and provide at least as good a model fit. In addition, they are typically faster and easier to fit to data, without the tendency for degeneracy that plagues ERGMs. Our results support the general use of LOLOG models in circumstances where ERGMs are considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Duncan A. Clark & Mark S. Handcock, 2022. "Comparing the real‐world performance of exponential‐family random graph models and latent order logistic models for social network analysis," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 185(2), pages 566-587, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jorssa:v:185:y:2022:i:2:p:566-587
    DOI: 10.1111/rssa.12788
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alex Stivala & Garry Robins & Alessandro Lomi, 2020. "Exponential random graph model parameter estimation for very large directed networks," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(1), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Morris, Martina & Handcock, Mark S. & Hunter, David R., 2008. "Specification of Exponential-Family Random Graph Models: Terms and Computational Aspects," Journal of Statistical Software, Foundation for Open Access Statistics, vol. 24(i04).
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    4. John McLevey & Alexander V. Graham & Reid McIlroy-Young & Pierson Browne & Kathryn S. Plaisance, 2018. "Interdisciplinarity and insularity in the diffusion of knowledge: an analysis of disciplinary boundaries between philosophy of science and the sciences," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 117(1), pages 331-349, October.
    5. Michael Schweinberger & Mark S. Handcock, 2015. "Local dependence in random graph models: characterization, properties and statistical inference," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 77(3), pages 647-676, June.
    6. Steven Goodreau & James Kitts & Martina Morris, 2009. "Birds of a feather, or friend of a friend? using exponential random graph models to investigate adolescent social networks," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 46(1), pages 103-125, February.
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