Analyzing Group-Formation Networks in the Complex Systems Summer School:

Abstract:

We study the formation of small research groups in the Beijing Complex Systems Summer School with affiliation networks compiled from survey data. Network statistics are calculated, and we devise measures to characterize group durability and volatile students. These measurements can predict failed projects after only two days of data collection. Also, we find that group durability correlates significantly with the mixture of Chinese to non-Chinese students in groups. Finally, our data and measurements suggest that the Summer School should require research groups to formalize their membership earlier.