Graph sampling by lagged random walk

Abstract

We propose a family of lagged random walk sampling methods in simple undirected graphs, where transition to the next state (i.e. node) depends on both the current and previous states -- hence, lagged. The existing random walk sampling methods can be incorporated as special cases. We develop a novel approach to estimation based on lagged random walks at equilibrium, where the target parameter can be any function of values associated with finite-order subgraphs, such as edge, triangle, 4-cycle and others.