Generating Random Networks and Graphs

This book supports researchers who need to generate random networks, or who are interested in the theoretical study of random graphs. The coverage includes exponential random graphs (where the targeted probability of each network appearing in the ensemble is specified), growth algorithms (i.e. preferential attachment and the stub-joining configuration model), special constructions (e.g. geometric graphs and Watts Strogatz models) and graphs on structured spaces (e.g. multiplex networks). The presentation aims to be a complete starting point, including details of both theory and implementation, as well as discussions of the main strengths and weaknesses of each approach. It includes extensive references for readers wishing to go further. The material is carefully structured to be accessible to researchers from all disciplines while also containing rigorous mathematical analysis (largely based on the techniques of statistical mechanics) to support those wishing to further develop or implement the theory of random graph generation. This book is aimed at the graduate student or advanced undergraduate. It includes many worked examples, numerical simulations and exercises making it suitable for use in teaching. Explicit pseudocode algorithms are included to make the ideas easy to apply. Datasets are becoming increasingly large and network applications wider and more sophisticated. Testing hypotheses against properly specified control cases (null models) is at the heart of the ‘scientific method’. Knowledge on how to generate controlled and unbiased random graph ensembles is vital for anybody wishing to apply network science in their research. Generating random networks efficiently and accurately is an important challenge for practical applications, and an interesting question for theoretical study. This book presents and discusses common methods of generating random graphs. It begins with approaches such as Exponential Random Graph Models, where the targeted probability of each network appearing in the ensemble is specified. This section also includes degree-preserving randomisation algorithms, where the aim is to generate networks with the correct number of links at each node, and care must be taken to avoid introducing a bias. Separately, it looks at growth style algorithms (e.g. preferential attachment) which aim to model a real process and then to analyse the resulting ensemble of graphs. It also covers how to generate special types of graphs including modular graphs, graphs with community structure and temporal graphs. The book is aimed at the graduate student or advanced undergraduate. It includes many worked examples and open questions making it suitable for use in teaching. Explicit pseudocode algorithms are included throughout the book to make the ideas straightforward to apply. With larger and larger datasets, it is crucial to have practical and well-understood tools. Being able to test a hypothesis against a properly specified control case is at the heart of the 'scientific method'. Hence, knowledge on how to generate controlled and unbiased random graph ensembles is vital for anybody wishing to apply network science in their research. This book describes how to correctly and efficiently generate random networks based on certain constraints. Being able to test a hypothesis against a properly specified control case is at the heart of the 'scientific method' This book aims to understand human cognition and psychology through a comprehensive computational theory of the mind, namely, a "cognitive architecture."