Social Networks with Two Sets of Actors

Abstract

Traditional network research analyzes relational ties within a single group of actors; the models presented in this paper involve relational ties that exist between two distinct sets of actors. Statistical models for traditional networks in which relations are measured within a group simplify when modeling unidirectional relations measured between groups. The traditional paradigm results in a one-mode sociomatrix; the network paradigm considered in this paper results in a two-mode sociomatrix. A statistical model is presented, illustrated on a sample data set, and compared to its traditional counterpart. Extensions are discussed, including those that model multivariate relations simultaneously, and those that allow for the inclusion of attributes of the individuals in the group.

Keywords: relational data, bipartite graphs, soeiomatrix, categorical data analysis