What are centrality measures in network analysis?

What are centrality measures in network analysis?

Centrality measures are metrics used to determine the importance of nodes in a network. They help identify key players.

Can you explain the different types of centrality measures?

Sure! The main types include degree centrality, closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigenvector centrality.

How is degree centrality calculated?

Degree centrality is calculated by counting the number of direct connections a node has. Higher counts indicate more central nodes.

What is the significance of betweenness centrality?

Betweenness centrality measures how often a node acts as a bridge along the shortest path between two other nodes, indicating its influence.

Can you give an example of how these measures are used in real life?

Absolutely! In social networks, centrality measures can identify influential individuals, while in transportation networks, they can optimize routes.