Citation
An experimental study of the small world problem
TL;DR
Confirmed median chain length of ~5.5 intermediaries
Rigorous follow-up to Milgram's 1967 study with detailed methodology and statistical analysis, providing the scientific foundation for small-world network research. This paper established the experimental protocol that would be replicated and extended in subsequent decades.
Key Findings from Travers & Milgram (1969)
- Confirmed median chain length of ~5.5 intermediaries
- Documented chain completion rates and factors affecting path efficiency
- Established rigorous methodology for studying social network path lengths