Modeling the Coevolution of Networks and Behavior

Abstract

This chapter proposes a statistical method for investigating network structure together with relevant actor attributes as joint dependent variables in a longitudinal framework, assuming that data have been collected according to a panel design. It discusses the specification of the stochastic model for dynamics of networks and behavior and then proceeds to parameter estimation and model selection. The chapter analyses network-behavioral coevolution and parameter estimation. It addresses Goodness-of-fit issues and model selection. The chapter presents a statistical model for the simultaneous, mutually dependent, dynamics of a relation on a given set of social actors, and the behavior of these actors as represented by one or more ordinal categorical variables. The process of network-behavioral coevolution is regarded as an emergent group-level result of the network actors’ individual decisions. Whereas the rate functions model the timing of the different actors’ different types of decisions, the objective functions model which changes are made.