2026-11-25 –, MacCallum Room
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of estimating Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) and Auto-Logistic Actor Attribute Models (ALAAM) with MPNet – a software developed to investigate the structural features of networks and how such structure may affect individual outcomes. ERGM for multilevel networks enable researchers to investigate the influence of structure at one level of analysis on structure at a different level, while taking into account the complex interdependencies that exist within and between levels. For instance, interpersonal networks between managers at the micro-level might interact with alliance networks of the organizations they are nested in. Throughout the workshop, participants will work through short exercises to get familiar with the graphical user interface and output of the MPNet software. We will discuss various case-study examples that will provide the participants with a good understanding of the possibilities that multilevel ERGMs offer for social scientists.
Dr. Peng Wang is an Associate Professor of Innovation Studies at the Department of Managment and Marketing, School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology. His research focuses on the development and application of statistical models for social networks, particularly Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGM) for social selection processes and Auto-logistic Actor Attribute Models (ALAAM) for social influence processes. As the designer and programmer of the PNet suite of software packages, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to the statistical modelling of complex networks, including one-mode, two-mode, multiplex, and multilevel networks, as well as the co-evolution of network structure and individual outcomes. Dr. Wang has publications in the research fields of public health, innovation management, social-ecological systems, anthropology, political networks and network intervention evaluations.