Impact of Attributes on Group Formation

摘要

Previous work has shown that selectivity based on opinions and values of attributes is an important tie-formation mechanism in human social networks. Less well-known is how selectivity influences the formation and composition of whole groups in which interactions extend beyond the dyads. To address this question, we use data from the NetScnse study consisting of a multi-layer (nomination, communication, co-location) network of university students. We examine how group formation differs from tic-formation in terms of the role of selectivity based on opinions and attributes. In addition, we show how levels of such selectivity varies between groups formed to meet different needs.