Reply to Adams: Multi-Dimensional Edge Interference

Abstract

We completely agree with adams that, in social network analysis, the particular research question should drive the definition of what constitutes a tie ( 1). However, we believe that even studies of inherently social phenomena, such as the spread of influence ( 2) or supposed “social contagions” ( 3), can benefit strongly from a focus on objective behavioral data ( 4). For instance, the conventional wisdom is that social influence only travels along self-perceived ties. However, in truth, it remains unknown how much is being hidden from us by recency and saliency cognitive filters ( 5), and significant social influence may, in fact, travel across unperceived ties. Behavioral data are not prone to such filters and thus, when used properly, may …