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Testing Unilateral and Bilateral Link Formation

Author

Listed:
  • Margherita Comola

    (CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Marcel Fafchamps

    (Economics - University of Oxford)

Abstract

Empirical analysis of social networks is often based on self-reported links from survey data. How we interpret such data is crucial for drawing correct inference on network effects. We propose a method for testing whether survey responses can safely be interpreted as a link and, if so, whether links are generated by a unilateral or bilateral link formation process. We present two empirical illustrations of the test on risk-sharing links in Tanzania and on communication among Indian farmers, respectively, demonstrating the ability of the methodology to discriminate between competing data-generating processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Margherita Comola & Marcel Fafchamps, 2014. "Testing Unilateral and Bilateral Link Formation," Post-Print hal-00825261, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00825261
    DOI: 10.1111/ecoj.12071
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    farmers; network; social networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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