biostudies-literatureMuldoon SFNICHD NIH HHSNIDCD NIH HHS22057https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4766852biostudies-literatureUnknown6Quantitative descriptions of network structure can provide fundamental insights into the function of interconnected complex systems. Small-world structure, diagnosed by high local clustering yet short average path length between any two nodes, promotes information flow in coupled systems, a key function that can differ across conditions or between groups. However, current techniques to quantify small-worldness are density dependent and neglect important features such as the strength of network connections, limiting their application in real-world systems. Here, we address both limitations with a novel metric called the Small-World Propensity (SWP). In its binary instantiation, the SWP provides an unbiased assessment of small-world structure in networks of varying densities. We extend this Scientific reportsSmall-World Propensity and Weighted Brain Networks.PMC4766852R01 DC0092091R01HD086888-012-R01-DC-009209-11R01 HD086888Muldoon SFBridgeford EWBassett DSfalseSmall-World Propensity and Weighted Brain Networks.Quantitative descriptions of network structure can provide fundamental insights into the function of interconnected complex systems. Small-world structure, diagnosed by high local clustering yet short average path length between any two nodes, promotes information flow in coupled systems, a key function that can differ across conditions or between groups. However, current techniques to quantify small-worldness are density dependent and neglect important features such as the strength of network connections, limiting their application in real-world systems. Here, we address both limitations with a novel metric called the Small-World Propensity (SWP). In its binary instantiation, the SWP provides an unbiased assessment of small-world structure in networks of varying densities. We extend this 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z2016 Feb2025-04-25T17:33:46.015Z2019-03-27T02:09:50ZS-EPMC47668522691219610.1038/srep22057