Abstract
This paper addresses the question of whether one can generate networks with a given global structure (defined by selected blockmodels, i.e., cohesive, core-periphery, hierarchical, and transitivity), considering only different types of triads. Two methods are used to generate networks: (i) the newly proposed method of relocating links; and (ii) the Monte Carlo Multi Chain algorithm implemented in the ergm package in R. Most of the selected blockmodel types can be generated by considering all types of triads. The selection of only a subset of triads can improve the generated networks’ blockmodel structure. Yet, in the case of a hierarchical blockmodel without complete blocks on the diagonal, additional local structures are needed to achieve the desired global structure of generated networks. This shows that blockmodels can emerge based only on local processes that do not take attributes into account.
Highlights
In both social network analysis and other scientific fields, considerable attention is paid to global network structures, which can be described using a blockmodel [1]
To evaluate whether it is possible to generate networks with a given blockmodel by considering different triad types, the global network structures of the networks generated with the Relocating Links (RL) algorithm and Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithm are evaluated
When the RL algorithm is used to generate networks and all triad types are considered, the overall Mean Improvement Value (MIV) is around 72%, which is more than for all other sets of triads considered (Fig 4)
Summary
In both social network analysis and other scientific fields, considerable attention is paid to global network structures, which can be described using a blockmodel [1]. Later, blockmodeling has been used in different scientific fields [5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. The units are assigned to the same cluster if they are equivalent according to the pattern of links to the other units. Two units are structurally equivalent if they are linked to the same units and by the same others [12], implying they share the same social role [13, 14]. There are several well-known and studied types of blockmodels, e.g., cohesive, core-periphery, transitivity and hierarchical [1] which are described in more detail
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