nwdyadprob
Generate a network based on tie probabilities
Syntax
nwdyadprob
[netname]
[,
mat(matamatrix)
density(float)
weights(p1, p2,...)
name(netname)
xvars
undirected
labs(lab1 lab2 ...)]
mat(matrix) |
Stata or Mata matrix with tie probabilities |
density(float) |
density of the new network |
weights(p1, p2,...) |
probabilities p_k for tie weights k |
name(netname) |
name of the new random network |
xvars |
generate Stata variables for the network |
undirected |
generate undirected network |
labs(lab1 lab2 …) |
overwrite node labels |
Description
nwdyadprob generates a (un-)directed random network where each tie x_ij has the probability p_ij to exist. The values for p_ij are derived either 1) from the edge values in network netname and the density (if given) or 2) from a Stata/Mata matrix specified in mat(). The command can be used to create all sorts of networks.
Let e_ij be the edge values of network netname.
Then, the probability for a tie x_ij to exist in the newly created network is p_ij:
p_ij = ((e_ij) / sum(e_kl)) * density * 100
When no density() is given, the probability is simply:
p_ij = e_ij
With option weights(p1, p2,…) the command generates a weighted network. Here, p_k stands for the probability to sample tie weight k. The probabilities p1, p2…, pn do not necessarily have to sum up to one; they are standardized.
Remarks
The program needs no additional packages: the weighted sampling of ties is built in (it gives the same sample as the user-written gsample, for the same random-number seed). Nothing is downloaded or installed.
Supported network types
Binary: yes (only structural tie placement - see Weighted). Directed: yes, via undirected (default is directed). Weighted: yes, via weights() (a per-dyad tie-value expression, independent of density()’s own probability-of-placement role) - though weights() is currently only implemented for the mat()-based path, not the density()-based path (an explicit, honest error is raised if both are combined; see the command’s own Description). Signed: not checked. Two-mode: not applicable - this generator always produces a one-mode network.
See also
-
last certified : 24 Aug 2026
nwcommands version 3.17.6, 9 November 2026 (check your installed version)