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[Untitled]
- Source :
- Computational & Mathematical Organization Theory. 5:167-192
- Publication Year :
- 1999
- Publisher :
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 1999.
-
Abstract
- We propose a class of actor-oriented statistical models for closed social networks in general, and friendship networks in particular. The models are random utility models developed within a rational choice framework. Based on social psychological and sociological theories about friendship, mathematical functions capturing expected utility of individual actors with respect to friendship are constructed. Expected utility also contains a random (unexplained) component. We assume that, given their restrictions and contact opportunities, individuals evaluate their utility functions and behave such that they maximize the expected amount of utility. The behavior under consideration is the expression of like and dislike (choice of friends). Theoretical mechanisms that are modelled are, e.g., the principle of diminishing returns, the tendency towards reciprocated choices, and the preference for friendship relations with similar others. Constraints imposed on individuals are, e.g., the structure of the existing network, and the distribution of personal characteristics over the respondents. The models are illustrated by means of a data-set collected among university freshmen at 7 points in time during 1994 and 1995.
- Subjects :
- Structure (mathematical logic)
General Computer Science
Applied Mathematics
media_common.quotation_subject
General Decision Sciences
Statistical model
Subjective expected utility
Expression (mathematics)
Computational Mathematics
Friendship
Empirical research
Modeling and Simulation
Psychology
Mathematical economics
Preference (economics)
Expected utility hypothesis
media_common
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 1381298X
- Volume :
- 5
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Computational & Mathematical Organization Theory
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........50dd08e185186011121545b8fea57387