Proportions of a total, including social network compositions (proportions of partner, family, friends, etc.) lie in a restricted space, which challenges statistical analysis. Network compositions can be both dependent and explanatory variables and are usually measured with error by survey instruments. Structural equation models make it possible to correct measurement error bias. Coenders et al. (2011) fitted a factor analysis model to transformed network compositions. In this article, we use another transformation called an isometric log-ratio and we extend the model to include predictors and outcomes. The findings and hypotheses in the literature can be reformulated with isometric log-ratios in a more interpretable manner. For instance, we find relationships of gender with partner support, of education and extraversion with friend support, and of family support with tie multiplexity and closeness.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31612253
Recent research on signed networks resulted in the relaxed structural balance (RSB) approach and its subsequent extension to signed two-mode networks involving social actors and social objects. The authors extended this approach to large signed two-mode networks, and addressed the methodological issues that arise. They developed tools to partition these types of networks and compared them with other approaches using a recently collected dataset of United Nations General Assembly roll call votes. Although their primary purpose was methodological, they took the first step towards bridging Heider's structural balance theory with recent theorizing in international relations on soft balancing of power processes.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31163741
The structure of imprecise Markov chains and study their convergence by means of accessibility relations are analysed. First, the sets of states, so-called minimal permanent classes, that are the minimal sets capable of containing and preserving the whole probability mass of the chain are identified. These classes generalise the essential classes known from the classical theory. We then define a class of extremal imprecise invariant distributions and show that they are uniquely determined by the values of the upper probability on minimal permanent classes. Moreover, conditions for unique convergence to these extremal invariant distributions are given.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32156509
We consider problems where relationships between two sets of objects are available in the form of a binary matrix with elements of 1 (0) indicating a bond (lack of a bond) between corresponding row and column objects. The goal is to establish a partition of the row objects and, simultaneously, a partition of the column objects to form blocks that consist of either exclusively 1s or exclusively 0s to the greatest extent possible. The two-mode blockmodeling problem arises in several scientific domains. The inherent computational challenge of simultaneously constructing partitions for two distinct sets of objects has fostered a reliance on heuristics for two-mode blockmodeling. We offer an exact algorithm and demonstrate its efficacy in a simulation study. Two applications to real-world networks are also provided.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31888221
Survey indicators of social networks usually measure a certain function of social networks, for example exchange of social support. Social support is a multidimensional construct. The most comprehensive definition distinguishes among sources of social support (social support networks), supportive acts and appraisal of given support. Generally, two main hypotheses can be given with regard to the role social support plays in quality of life of individuals: that social support is beneficial as such (main effects), or that social support is beneficial at occasions of stressful events (buffer effect). In this paper we are dealing with survey measurement of ego-centered social support networks. Three methods to social network measurement are compared: the name generator method, the role generator method and the event-related approach. In a meta-analysis of several studies done on convenient quota samples the effects of method, type of calculation, response format and limitation of support providers on network composition indicators are studied.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31355485