Applying ERGMs and STERGMs to Examine the Social Networks of Students With Disabilities

• In Event: Friendships and Social Emotional Learning in Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

This study explored the social processes associated with tie formation in friendship and support
networks of Grade 8 students with disabilities in a highly diverse classroom. Driven by a social
network perspective, we employed exponential random graph models (ERGMs) and separable
temporal exponential random graph models (STERGMs) to explore tie formation in these networks over time. Results suggest that students with disabilities were more likely to form support ties with each other and less likely to send and receive help ties with others. They were also less likely to receive friendship ties than their peers. Although generalizability is limited, these findings have important implications for practice in relation to the social participation and engagement of middle school students with disabilities.

Authors

• Christoforos Mamas, University of California - San Diego

• Peter Bjorklund, University of California - San Diego