Combining choice modelling with social network analysis, we show how the stochastic actor-oriented model for the co-evolution of networks and behavior (SAOM) can be used as a powerful statistical framework to empirically analyze network-related choices. We discuss the underlying assumptions of SAOMs and show that they can be interpreted to represent a random utility maximization model (RUM). Network-related choices pertain both to decisions to engage in (or disengage from) specific social relationships and decisions to adapt behavior to that of social contacts. We demonstrate the usefulness of SAOM for the choice modelling community. We further illustrate how SAOM can be used to study network-related choices by providing an exemplary empirical analysis.

将选择模型与社交网络分析相结合，我们展示了网络和行为的共同进化的面向随机行为者的模型（SAOM）如何可以用作强大的统计框架，以经验分析与网络相关的选择。我们讨论了SAOM的基本假设，并表明它们可以解释为代表随机效用最大化模型（RUM）。与网络相关的选择既涉及从事特定社会关系的决策，也涉及使行为适应社交接触者行为的决策。我们证明了SAOM对于选择建模社区的有用性。我们将通过提供示例性的经验分析来进一步说明SAOM如何用于研究与网络相关的选择。