Complex Network Analysis

The clustering coefficient has two definitions that dominate its use, one by Watts and Strogatz, and the second by Newman. It is critical to identify and report the analytic similarities and differences between the two methods in order to give future researchers guidance on the appropriate method to use in their research. This paper reports on an analytical comparison between the two clustering coefficient definitions. We performed the comparison using analytical derivations to show the mathematical relations between the two definitions, the limits on the analysis, and the impact clustering coefficient values derived from the two definitions