Generating global network structures by triad types

TL;DR

This paper explores how specific triad types influence the generation of networks with global structures like core-periphery and hierarchy, demonstrating that local triad configurations can produce complex global patterns.

Contribution

It introduces methods for generating networks with targeted blockmodel structures using triad types and shows local processes can lead to emergent global network structures.

Findings

Subset of triads improves blockmodel accuracy

Hierarchical models require additional local structures

Local triad configurations can produce global patterns

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of whether it is possible to generate networks with a given global structure (defined by selected blockmodels, i.e., cohesive, core-periphery, hierarchical and transitivity), considering only different types of triads. Two methods are used to generate networks: (i) the method of relocating links; and (ii) the Monte Carlo Multi Chain algorithm implemented in the "ergm" package implemented in R. Although all types of triads can generate networks with the selected blockmodel types, the selection of only a subset of triads improves the generated networks' blockmodel structure. However, in the case of a hierarchical blockmodel without complete blocks on the diagonal, additional local structures are needed to achieve the desired global structure of generated networks. This shows that blockmodels can emerge based on only local processes that do not take attributes into account.