Statistics – Applications
Scientific paper
2010-04-27
Sociological Methods and Research, vol. 40 (2011), pp. 211--239
Statistics
Applications
27 pages, 9 figures. V2: Revised in response to referees. V3: Ditto
Scientific paper
10.1177/0049124111404820
We consider processes on social networks that can potentially involve three factors: homophily, or the formation of social ties due to matching individual traits; social contagion, also known as social influence; and the causal effect of an individual's covariates on their behavior or other measurable responses. We show that, generically, all of these are confounded with each other. Distinguishing them from one another requires strong assumptions on the parametrization of the social process or on the adequacy of the covariates used (or both). In particular we demonstrate, with simple examples, that asymmetries in regression coefficients cannot identify causal effects, and that very simple models of imitation (a form of social contagion) can produce substantial correlations between an individual's enduring traits and their choices, even when there is no intrinsic affinity between them. We also suggest some possible constructive responses to these results.
Shalizi Cosma Rohilla
Thomas Andrew C.
No associations
LandOfFree
Homophily and Contagion Are Generically Confounded in Observational Social Network Studies does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Homophily and Contagion Are Generically Confounded in Observational Social Network Studies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Homophily and Contagion Are Generically Confounded in Observational Social Network Studies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-236809