Dynamic networks and behavior: separating selection from influence.

Steglich, Christian; Snijders, Tom; Pearson, Mike

Abstract

A current problem in the analysis of behavioral dynamics, given a simultaneously evolving social network, is the difficulty of separating effects of partner selection from effects of social influence. In this paper we present a recently developed family of statistical models that enables researchers to separate the two effects in a statistically adequate manner. To illustrate our method we make use of a three-wave panel measured in the years 1995-1997 at a school in the West of Scotland. We are able to assess the strength of selection and influence mechanisms associated with friendship networks of substance-using adolescents.

Citation

Steglich, C., Snijders, T., & Pearson, M. (2010). Dynamic networks and behavior: separating selection from influence. Sociological Methodology, 40, 329-393. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9531.2010.01225.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2010-08
• Deposit Date: Apr 27, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 31, 2010
• Print ISSN: 0081-1750
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9531
• Publisher: American Sociological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Pages: 329-393
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9531.2010.01225.x
• Keywords: behavioral dynamics; partner selection; social influence; dynamic networks; friendship formation; substance use
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/2552
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9531.2010.01225.x