In this research, we investigate peer review in the development of Linux by drawing on network theory and network analysis. We frame an analytical model which integrates the sociological principle of homophily (i.e., the relational tendency of individuals to establish relationships with similar others) with prior research on peer-review in general and open-source software in particular. We found a relatively strong homophily tendency for maintainers to review other maintainers, but a comparable tendency is surprisingly absent regarding developers' organizational affiliation. Such results mirror the documented norms, beliefs, values, processes, policies, and social hierarchies that characterize the Linux kernel development. Our results underline the power of generative mechanisms from network theory to explain the evolution of peer review networks. Regarding practitioners' concern over the Linux commercialization trend, no relational bias in peer review was found albeit the increasing involvement of firms.

中文翻译：

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网络科学、同质性和谁在 Linux 内核中审查谁？

在这项研究中，我们利用网络理论和网络分析来调查 Linux 开发中的同行评审。我们构建了一个分析模型，该模型将同质性的社会学原理（即个人与相似他人建立关系的关系倾向）与先前对一般同行评审特别是开源软件的研究相结合。我们发现维护者审查其他维护者的同质倾向相对较强，但令人惊讶的是，在开发人员的组织隶属关系方面却没有类似的倾向。这些结果反映了表征 Linux 内核开发的规范、信念、价值观、流程、政策和社会等级制度。我们的结果强调了网络理论中生成机制解释同行评审网络演变的力量。关于从业者对 Linux 商业化趋势的关注，尽管公司越来越多地参与进来，但在同行评审中没有发现相关性偏见。