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How small is it? Comparing indices of small worldliness

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  • NEAL, ZACHARY P.

Abstract

Many studies have attempted to determine whether an observed network exhibits a so-called “small-world structure.” Such determinations have often relied on a conceptual definition of small worldliness proposed by Watts and Strogatz in their seminal 1998 paper, but recently several quantitative indices of network small worldliness have emerged. This paper reviews and compares three such indices—the small-world quotient (Q), a small-world metric (ω), and the small-world index(SWI)—in the canonical Watts–Strogatz re-wiring model and in four real-world networks. These analyses suggest that researchers should avoid Q, and identify considerations that should guide the choice between ω and SWI.

Suggested Citation

  • Neal, Zachary P., 2017. "How small is it? Comparing indices of small worldliness," Network Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(1), pages 30-44, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:netsci:v:5:y:2017:i:01:p:30-44_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Laszlo Lorincz & Brigitta Nemeth, 2019. "Network Effects in Internal Migration," CERS-IE WORKING PAPERS 1913, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies.
    2. Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Kogler, Dieter F. & Lengyel, Balázs, 2023. "Atypical combinations of technologies in regional co-inventor networks," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(10).
    3. Hyunwoo Jang & George A. Mashour & Anthony G. Hudetz & Zirui Huang, 2024. "Measuring the dynamic balance of integration and segregation underlying consciousness, anesthesia, and sleep in humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, December.
    4. László Lőrincz & Brigitta Németh, 2022. "How Social Capital is Related to Migration Between Communities?," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 38(5), pages 1119-1143, December.

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