Professor Philippa Pattison

Professor Philippa Pattison

The University of Melbourne, Australia

Title: Statistical models for the analysis of social networks
The paper will review a flexible framework for the analysis of social network data based on exponential random graph models and will present several recent developments that enhance the capacity of the framework to yield theoretically principled and empirically plausible models for social networks and network-based social processes.

In particular, a hierarchy of potential models for social networks is
developed and it shown how this hierarchy can be used (a) to estimate models from empirical social network data and evaluate model fit, and (b) extend this capacity to the case of certain types of sampled data.

Short Bio:
Professor Philippa (Pip) Pattison is a quantitative psychologist recognised for her work in the development of mathematical models for social and behavioural phenomena, particularly for social networks and network-based social processes.

Pip completed both a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a PhD at the University of Melbourne.

Pip served as Head of the School of Behavioural Sciences at the University of Melbourne from 2002-2003, and from 2007-2008 was the President of the University’s Academic Board. In 2009 she was
appointed as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) at the University of Melbourne. In May 2011, Professor Pattison was appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).

As Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Pip is responsible for leading the University's learning and teaching strategy and consolidating the implementation of Melbourne Model programs. She works in collaboration with colleagues across the University to ensure that its academic programs meet the high standards in teaching and learning that have been set for them and, in particular, achieve their distinctive learning outcomes.

Pip was elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in 1995.