Network formation and knowledge gains |
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Authors: | Christina Prell Yi-Jung Lo |
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Affiliation: | 1. Sociology Department, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USAcprell@umd.edu;3. Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA |
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Abstract: | Incentive-based models for network formation link micro actions to changes in network structure. Sociologists have extended these models on a number of fronts, but there remains a tendency to treat actors as homogenous agents and to disregard social theory. Drawing upon literature on the strategic use of networks for knowledge gains, we specify models exploring the co-evolution of networks and knowledge gains. Our findings suggest that pursuing transitive ties is the most successful strategy, as more reciprocity and cycling result from this pursuit, thus encouraging learning across the network. We also discuss the role of network size, global network structure, and parameter strength in actors’ attainment of knowledge resources. |
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Keywords: | Learning network evolution rational choice social networks utility models |
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