Bayesian perspectives on exponential random graph models

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Caimo, Alberto, Gollini, Isabella
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2026
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author Caimo, Alberto
Gollini, Isabella
author_facet Caimo, Alberto
Gollini, Isabella
contents Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) are a widely used framework for network data, enabling hypothesis testing on the structural mechanisms underlying observed networks. Bayesian ERGMs provide principled uncertainty quantification and enable the incorporation of prior knowledge through fully probabilistic modelling. However, computation remains challenging because the posterior is doubly intractable, with a likelihood normalising constant that depends on unknown parameters. This paper reviews Bayesian approaches to ERGM inference, categorising inference methods into three broad classes: auxiliary variable MCMC methods, adjusted pseudo-likelihood approaches, and variational methods, alongside dedicated treatment of model selection. We also discuss modelling extensions for missing data, longitudinal dynamics, populations of networks, weighted networks, highlighting applications across various scientific disciplines.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2605_25873
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Bayesian perspectives on exponential random graph models
Caimo, Alberto
Gollini, Isabella
Methodology
Computation
Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) are a widely used framework for network data, enabling hypothesis testing on the structural mechanisms underlying observed networks. Bayesian ERGMs provide principled uncertainty quantification and enable the incorporation of prior knowledge through fully probabilistic modelling. However, computation remains challenging because the posterior is doubly intractable, with a likelihood normalising constant that depends on unknown parameters. This paper reviews Bayesian approaches to ERGM inference, categorising inference methods into three broad classes: auxiliary variable MCMC methods, adjusted pseudo-likelihood approaches, and variational methods, alongside dedicated treatment of model selection. We also discuss modelling extensions for missing data, longitudinal dynamics, populations of networks, weighted networks, highlighting applications across various scientific disciplines.
title Bayesian perspectives on exponential random graph models
topic Methodology
Computation
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.25873