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Examining the Emergence of Large-scale Structures in Collaboration Networks: Methods in Sociological Analysis

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  • Jaideep Ghosh
  • Avinash Kshitij

Abstract

This article introduces a number of methods that can be useful for examining the emergence of large-scale structures in collaboration networks. The study contributes to sociological research by investigating how clusters of research collaborators evolve and sometimes percolate in a collaboration network. Typically, we find that in our networks, one cluster among the leading ones eventually wins the growth race by percolating through the network, spanning it and rapidly filling up a significant volume of it. We show how this process is governed by the dynamics of cluster growth in the network. When operating in a percolating regime, this class of networks possesses many useful functional properties, which have important sociological implications. We first develop the methodological tools to perform a study of the intrinsic clustering process. Then, to understand the actual large-scale structure formation process in the network, we apply the theoretical methods to simulate a number of realistic scenarios, including one based on actual data on the collaboration behavior of a sample of researchers. From the perspective of social science research, our methods can be adapted to suit the application domains of many other types of real social processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaideep Ghosh & Avinash Kshitij, 2017. "Examining the Emergence of Large-scale Structures in Collaboration Networks: Methods in Sociological Analysis," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 46(4), pages 821-863, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:46:y:2017:i:4:p:821-863
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124115606153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jaideep Ghosh & Avinash Kshitij, 2014. "An integrated examination of collaboration coauthorship networks through structural cohesion, holes, hierarchy, and percolating clusters," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 65(8), pages 1639-1661, August.
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    4. Cristopher Moore & M. E. J. Newman, 2000. "Epidemics and Percolation in Small-World Networks," Working Papers 00-01-002, Santa Fe Institute.
    5. Avinash Kshitij & Jaideep Ghosh & Brij Mohan Gupta, 2015. "Embedded information structures and functions of co-authorship networks: evidence from cancer research collaboration in India," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(1), pages 285-306, January.
    6. Cummings, Jonathon N. & Kiesler, Sara, 2007. "Coordination costs and project outcomes in multi-university collaborations," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 1620-1634, December.
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    8. Jaideep Ghosh & Avinash Kshitij & Sandeep Kadyan, 2015. "Functional information characteristics of large-scale research collaboration: network measures and implications," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(2), pages 1207-1239, February.
    9. M. E. J. Newman & D. J. Watts, 1999. "Scaling and Percolation in the Small-World Network Model," Working Papers 99-05-034, Santa Fe Institute.
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