A model of popularity structure in social networks is introduced. Popularity is viewed as a latent attribute of the individuals in the network. The group of individuals is assumed to have a latent popularity structure, composed of individuals from three popularity groups. An individual is assumed to choose other individuals within its own group or within groups of higher status, that is groups of more popular individuals. The model is illustrated using two data sets where friendship choices are measured on children in a large number of school classes. The model is evaluated using empirical distributions of test statistics.

 Key words: latent popularity structure, indegree, conditional independence. 

Close this Window

Last update: 1997-12-16 / KH