The likelihood-ratio test for multi-edge network models


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Date

2021-09

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

The complexity underlying real-world systems implies that standard statistical hypothesis testing methods may not be adequate for these peculiar applications. Specifically, we show that the likelihood-ratio (LR) test's null-distribution needs to be modified to accommodate the complexity found in multi-edge network data. When working with independent observations, the p-values of LR tests are approximated using a χ2 distribution. However, such an approximation should not be used when dealing with multi-edge network data. This type of data is characterized by multiple correlations and competitions that make the standard approximation unsuitable. We provide a solution to the problem by providing a better approximation of the LR test null-distribution through a beta distribution. Finally, we empirically show that even for a small multi-edge network, the standard χ2 approximation provides erroneous results, while the proposed beta approximation yields the correct p-value estimation.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

2 (3)

Pages / Article No.

35012

Publisher

IOP Publishing

Event

Edition / version

Methods

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Date collected

Date created

Subject

likelihood-ratio test; multi-edge network; complex system; hypothesis testing; model selection

Organisational unit

03682 - Schweitzer, Frank (emeritus) / Schweitzer, Frank (emeritus) check_circle
03682 - Schweitzer, Frank (emeritus) / Schweitzer, Frank (emeritus) check_circle

Notes

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