statnet (version 2016.4)

statnet-package: A Suite of Packages for the Statistical Modeling of Network Data

Description

statnet is a collection of software packages for statistical network analysis that are designed to work together, and provide seamless access to a broad range of network analytic and graphical methodology. The packages implement recent advances in network modeling based on exponential-family random graph models (ERGM), as well as latent space models and more traditional network methods. Together, the packages provide a comprehensive framework for ERGM-based cross-sectional and dynamic network modeling: tools for model estimation, model evaluation, model-based network simulation, and network visualization. The statistical estimation and simulation functions are based on a central Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. The coding is optimized for speed and robustness.

The code is actively developed and maintained by the statnet development team. New functionality is being added over time.

Details

statnet packages are written in a combination of Rand C It is usually used interactively from within the Rgraphical user interface via a command line. it can also be used in non-interactive (or ``batch'') mode to allow longer or multiple tasks to be processed without user interaction. The suite of packages are available on the Comprehensive RArchive Network (CRAN) at http://www.r-project.org/ and also on the statnet project website at http://statnet.org/

The statnet suite of packages has the following components: For data handling:

• networkis a package to create, store, modify and plot the data in network objects. Thenetworkobject class, defined in thenetworkpackage, can represent a range of relational data types and it supports arbitrary vertex / edge /graph attributes. Data stored asnetworkobjects can then be analyzed using all of the component packages in thestatnetsuite. (automatically downloaded)
• networkDynamicextendsnetworkwith functionality to store information about about evolution of a network over time, defining anetworkDynamicobject class. (automatically downloaded)

For analyzing cross-sectional networks:

• ergmis a collection of functions to fit, simulate from, plot and evaluate exponential random graph models. The main functions within theergmpackage areergm, a function to fit linear exponential random graph models in which the probability of a graph is dependent upon a vector of graph statistics specified by the user;simulate, a function to simulate random graphs using an ERGM; andgof, a function to evaluate the goodness of fit of an ERGM to the data.ergmcontains many other functions as well. (automatically downloaded)
• ergm.countis an extension toergmenabling it to fit models for networks whose relations are counts. (automatically downloaded)
• latentnetis a package to fit and evaluate latent position and cluster models for statistical networks The probability of a tie is expressed as a function of distances between these nodes in a latent space as well as functions of observed dyadic level covariates. (optional download)
• snais a set of tools for traditional social network analysis. (automatically downloaded)
• degreenetis a package for the statistical modeling of degree distributions of networks. It includes power-law models such as the Yule and Waring, as well as a range of alternative models that have been proposed in the literature. (optional download)

For temporal (dynamic) network analysis:

• tergmis a collection of extentions toergmenabling it to fit discrete time models for temporal (dynamic) networks. The main function intergmisstergm(the ``s'' stands for separable), which allows the user to specify one ergm for tie formation, and another ergm for tie dissolution. The models can be fit to network panel data, or to a single cross-sectional network with ancillary data on tie duration. (automatically downloaded)
• tsnais a collection of extensions tosnathat provide descriptive summary statistics for temporal networks. (optional download)
• releventis a package providing tools to fit relational event models. (optional download)

Additional utilities:

• ergm.usertermsprovides a template for users who want to implement their own new ERGM terms. (separate download required)
• networksisis a package to simulate bipartite graphs with fixed marginals through sequential importance sampling. (optional download)
• EpiModelis a package for simulating epidemics (optional download)

statnet is a metapackage; its only purpose is to provide a convenient way for a user to load all of the packages in the statnet suite. It does this by depending on all of the packages, so that loading the statnet package into Rautomatically loads all packages above that are labeled "automatically downloaded". If the user specifies install.packages("statnet",dependencies=T), statnet will also download all of the packages above that are labeled "optional download". Those can, of course, also be installed individually.

Each package in statnet has associated help files and internal documentation, and additional the information can be found on the Statnet Project website (http://statnet.org/). Tutorials, instructions on how to join the statnet help mailing list, references and links to further resources are provided there. For the reference paper(s) that provide information on the theory and methodology behind each specific package use the citation("packagename") function in Rafter loading statnet.

We have invested much time and effort in creating the statnet suite of packages and supporting material so that others can use and build on these tools. All we ask in return is that you cite it when you use it. For publication of results obtained from statnet, the original authors are to be cited as described in citation("statnet"). If you are only using specific package(s) from the suite, please cite the specific package(s) as described in the appropriate citation("packgename"). Thank you!