Applying Relation Algebra and Relview to Measures in a Social Network

Abstract

We present an application of relation algebra to measure players' 'strength' in a social network with influence between players. In particular, we deal with power, success, and influence of a player as measured by the Hoede-Bakker index, its generalization and modifications, and by the influence indices. We also apply relation algebra to determine followers of a coalition and the kernel of an influence function. This leads to specifications, which can be executed with the help of the BDDbased tool RelView after a simple translation into the tool's programming language. As an example we consider the present Dutch parliament.

Keywords: RelView, relation algebra, social network, the Hoede-Bakker index, influence index, follower, kernel

JEL Classification: C63, C88, D72, D85