“Network analysis of multivariate data in psychological science” (2021), by Denny Borsboom et al. Psychology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

Network analysis of multivariate data in psychological science

Denny Borsboom, Marie Katharina Deserno, Mijke Rhemtulla et al. · August 19, 2021 · Psychology

Abstract

In recent years, network analysis has been applied to identify and analyse patterns of statistical association in multivariate psychological data. In these approaches, network nodes represent variables in a data set, and edges represent pairwise conditional associations between variables in the data, while conditioning on the remaining variables. This Primer provides an anatomy of these techniques, describes the current state of the art and discusses open problems. We identify relevant data structures in which network analysis may be applied: cross-sectional data, repeated measures and intensive longitudinal data. We then discuss the estimation of network structures in each of these cases, as well as assessment techniques to evaluate network robustness and replicability. Successful applications of the technique in different research areas are highlighted. Finally, we discuss limitations and challenges for future research. Network analysis allows the investigation of complex patterns and relationships by examining nodes and the edges connecting them. Borsboom et al. discuss the adoption of network analysis in psychological research.

Free PDF DOI: 10.1038/s43586-021-00055-w