Micro-Macro Mediation Analysis in Social Networks

Citation

Duxbury, Scott W. (2024). Micro-Macro Mediation Analysis in Social Networks. Sociological Methodology.

Abstract

Mediation analysis is increasingly used in the social sciences. Extension to social network data, however, has proved difficult because statistical network models are formulated at a lower level of analysis (the dyad) than many outcomes of interest. This study introduces a general approach for micro-macro mediation analysis in social networks. The author defines the average mediated micro effect (AMME) as the indirect effect of a network selection process on an individual, group, or organizational outcome through its effect on an intervening network variable. The author shows that the AMME can be nonparametrically identified using a wide range of common statistical network and regression modeling strategies under the assumption of conditional independence among multiple mediators. Nonparametric and parametric algorithms are introduced to generically estimate the AMME in a multitude of research designs. The author illustrates the utility of the method with an applied example using cross-sectional National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data to examine the friendship selection mechanisms that indirectly shape adolescent school performance through their effect on network structure.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1177/00811750231220950

Keyword(s)

networks

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Sociological Methodology

Author(s)

Duxbury, Scott W.

Year Published

2024

Edition

February 05, 2024

DOI

10.1177/00811750231220950

Reference ID

10302