Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis

2020/2021

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент прикладной экономики

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

2-й курс, 1 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course shows how to model social and economic networks and their impact on human behavior. How do networks form, why do they exhibit certain patterns, and how does their structure impact diffusion, learning, and other behaviors? We will bring together models and techniques from economics, sociology, math, physics, statistics and computer science to answer these questions. The course begins with some empirical background on social and economic networks, and an overview of concepts used to describe and measure networks. Next, we will cover a set of models of how networks form, including random network models as well as strategic formation models, and some hybrids. We will then discuss a series of models of how networks impact behavior, including contagion, diffusion, learning, and peer influences. The course is taught on educational online platform “Coursera.org”, https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-economic-networks, Stanford University.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to model social and economic networks and their impact on human behavior.
• How do networks form, why do they exhibit certain patterns, and how does their structure impact diffusion, learning, and other behaviors?

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Know what meens Social Networks and their Impact, Definitions, Measures and Properties

Course Contents

• Introduction, Empirical Background and Definitions
  Examples of Social Networks and their Impact, Definitions, Measures and Properties: Degrees, Diameters, Small Worlds, Weak and Strong Ties, Degree Distributions
• Background, Definitions, and Measures Continued
  Homophily, Dynamics, Centrality Measures: Degree, Betweenness, Closeness, Eigenvector, and Katz-Bonacich. Erdos and Renyi Random Networks: Thresholds and Phase Transitions
• Random Networks
  Poisson Random Networks, Exponential Random Graph Models, Growing Random Networks, Preferential Attachment and Power Laws, Hybrid models of Network Formation.
• Strategic Network Formation
  Game Theoretic Modeling of Network Formation, The Connections Model, The Conflict between Incentives and Efficiency, Dynamics, Directed Networks, Hybrid Models of Choice and Chance.
• Diffusion on Networks
  Empirical Background, The Bass Model, Random Network Models of Contagion, The SIS model, Fitting a Simulated Model to Data.
• Learning on Networks
  Bayesian Learning on Networks, The DeGroot Model of Learning on a Network, Convergence of Beliefs, The Wisdom of Crowds, How Influence depends on Network Position..
• Games on Networks
  Network Games, Peer Influences: Strategic Complements and Substitutes, the Relation between Network Structure and Behavior, A Linear Quadratic Game, Repeated Interactions and Network Structures.

Assessment Elements

• Online tests
• Final interview
  Finaloral interview is held on Zoom
• Online tests
• Final interview
  Finaloral interview is held on Zoom

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (1 module)
  0.3 * Final interview + 0.7 * Online tests

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Robins, G., Koskinen, J., & Lusher, D. (2012). Exponential Random Graph Models for Social Networks : Theory, Methods, and Applications. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=498293
• SULA, O., & ELENURM, T. (2018). Comparing Online Social Networks Ties as Tool for Entrepreneurial Learning Readiness in Small Economies. Informatica Economica, 22(3), 62–74. https://doi.org/10.12948/issn14531305/22.3.2018.06

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• McPherson, M., Smith-Lovin, L., & Cook, J. M. (2001). BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Homophily in Social Networks. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 415. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.27.1.415
• Nan Lin. (1999). Social Networks and Status Attainment. Annual Review of Sociology, 25, 467. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.25.1.467