Network Structure & Dynamics

I am motivated by the question of how network structures come into being, which I approach by asking how individuals “choose” their friends and other relationships. This question is key because network selection sets the stage for subsequent network effects, such as diffusion, social influence, and social learning. Thus, many of my substantive applications test for peer influence on adolescent developmental outcomes. In addition, several of my papers focus on one of the most prominent network patterns – homophily – which is present when people associate with others who are similar to themselves. This pattern may be due to “preference,” however, there are many instances when people have both the opportunity and desire to associate with dissimilar others, yet still find themselves in homophilous relationships due to processes related to withdrawal, avoidance, and reciprocity among others. This line of research offers a new theoretical perspective on network structure, and given its focus on health-related outcomes, offers practical findings that can inform health policy and interventions. 

• Schaefer, David R. and Christopher S. Marcum. Modeling Social Networks. Chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Social Network Analysis. Edited by James Moody and Ryan Light. Forthcoming.

• Schaefer, David R., John Light, Laura D. Hanish, Carol L. Martin and Richard A. Fabes. 2010. “Fundamental Principles of Network Formation among Preschool Children.” Social Networks 32:61-71.

 Homophily

• Schaefer, David R., Olga Kornienko and Andrew M. Fox. 2011. “Misery Does not Love Company: Network Selection Mechanisms and Depression Homophily.” American Sociological Review, 76:764-785.

• Schaefer, David R. 2012. “Homophily through Non-Reciprocity: Results of an Experiment.” Social Forces, 90:1271-1295.

• Schaefer, David R., Sandra D. Simpkins, and Andrea Vest Ettekal. “Adolescent Extracurricular Activities and Race/Ethnic Friendship Segregation.” Chapter in Together Through Time: Social Networks and the Life Course. Edited by Duane F. Alwin, Diane H. Felmlee, and Derek A. Kreager. Forthcoming.

• Schaefer, David R. and Sandra D. Simpkins. 2014. “Using Social Network Analysis to Clarify the Role of Obesity in Adolescent Friend Selection.” American Journal of Public Health, 104:1223-1229.

• Schaefer, David R. 2010. “A Configurational Approach to Homophily using Lattice Visualization.” Connections 31:21-39.

 Dynamic Networks: Additional Substantive Applications

• Schaefer, David R. “A Network Analysis of Factors Leading Adolescents to Befriend Substance-Using Peers.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology. In press.

• Rivas-Drake, Deborah, Adriana Umaña-Taylor, David R. Schaefer, and Michael Medina. 2017. “Ethnic-Racial Identity and Friendships in Early Adolescence.” Child Development. 88: 710-724.

• Haas, Steven A. and David R. Schaefer. 2014. “With a Little Help from My Friends? Asymmetrical Social Influence on Adolescent Smoking Initiation and Cessation.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 55:126-143.

• Kornienko, Olga, David R. Schaefer, Serena Weren, Gary W. Hill, and Douglas A. Granger. 2016. “Cortisol and Testosterone Associations with Social Network Dynamics.” Hormones and Behavior. 80:92-102

• Schaefer, David R. Steven A. Haas, and Nicholas Bishop. 2012. “A Dynamic Model of US Adolescents’ Smoking and Friendship Networks.” American Journal of Public Health, 102:e12-e18.

• Schaefer, David R. Sandra D. Simpkins, Andrea E. Vest, and Chara D. Price. 2011. “The Contribution of Extracurricular Activities to Adolescent Friendships: New Insights through Social Network Analysis.” Developmental Psychology 47:1141-1152.

• Simpkins, Sandra D., David R. Schaefer, Chara D. Price and Andrea E. Vest. 2013. “Adolescent Friendships, Obesity, and Physical Activity: Untangling Selection and Socialization through Longitudinal Social Network Analysis.” Journal of Research on Adolescence, 23:537-549.

• Martin, Carol L., Olga Kornienko, David R. Schaefer, Laura D. Hanish, Richard A. Fabes, and Priscilla Goble. 2013. “The Role of Sex of Peers and Gender-Typed Activities in Young Children’s Peer Affiliative Networks: A Longitudinal Analysis of Selection and Influence.” Child Development, 84:921-937.