Internal validation function that checks the format and consistency of input data for longitudinal AME models. Ensures that network data and covariates are properly formatted as lists with consistent dimensions across time periods.
check_format(Y, Xdyad=NULL, Xrow=NULL, Xcol=NULL)Invisible TRUE if all checks pass. Throws an error with an informative message if any validation fails.
a list of T network matrices, where T is the number of time periods. Each element should be an n x m matrix representing the network at time t.
an optional list of T dyadic covariates. Each element can be either an n x m matrix (single covariate) or an n x m x p array (p covariates). Must have the same length as Y if provided.
an optional list of T matrices of row/sender covariates. Each element should be an n x pr matrix where pr is the number of row covariates. Must have the same length as Y if provided.
an optional list of T matrices of column/receiver covariates. Each element should be an m x pc matrix where pc is the number of column covariates. Must have the same length as Y if provided.
Cassy Dorff, Shahryar Minhas, Tosin Salau
Validates input data for longitudinal network analysis:
Verifying Y is a non-empty list of matrices
Checking that all covariates (if provided) are lists of appropriate length
Validating data types for all elements
Warning about dimension inconsistencies across time periods
The function uses informative error messages via the cli package to help users identify and correct data formatting issues.