Multilevel Network Analysis Using ERGM and Its Extension

Abstract

Exponentials random graph models (ERGMs) model network structure as endogenous based on the assumption that network ties are conditionally dependent, i.e. the existence of a network tie depends on the existence of other network ties conditioning on the rest of the network. In multilevel network contexts, ERGMs offer a statistical framework that captures complicated multilevel structure through some simple structural signatures or network configurations based on these tie dependence assumptions, i.e. network ties are interdependent not only within levels but also across levels. The interpretations of ERGM parameters make hypothesis testing about multilevel network structure possible. In this ..