A perfect sampling method for exponential family random graph models. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butts, Carter T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mathematical sociology. Volume 42:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Perfect sampling -- exponential random graphs -- discrete exponential families -- Markov chain Monte Carlo -- coupling from the past -- biased nets; Sociology -- Periodicals; Sociology -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; 301.0151
• DOI: 10.1080/0022250X.2017.1396985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-250X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Generation of deviates from random graph models with nontrivial edge dependence is an increasingly important problem. Here, we introduce a method which allows perfect sampling from random graph models in exponential family form ("exponential family random graph" models), using a variant of Coupling From The Past. We illustrate the use of the method via an application to the Markov graphs, a family that has been the subject of considerable research. We also show how the method can be applied to a variant of the biased net models, which are not exponentially parameterized.