Mixed Methods in Social Network Analysis

About

Drawing on empirical examples that combine various quantitative and qualitative tools in collecting, contextualizing, analysing and interpreting social network data, the module teaches how mixed methods can be used in social network research. 

We start the course with an overview of the theoretical foundations of SNA and how they call for a mixed method approach. We will learn and practice how to collect SNA data via qualitative interviews and reflect upon the use of secondary qualitative sources. We will then outline the underlying logic of social network and discuss how to build social network typologies, model their outcomes, and test and reformulate social network theory

Course leader

Dr Elisa Bellotti

Target group

The course is specifically tailored for:

Postgraduate students, both Master and PhD, with an interest in SNA
Researchers at any level who want to introduce qualitative methods in their SNA research or SNA in their qualitative projects
Researchers outside academia who want to mix SNA with other mainstream methods to assess the structure and outcomes of businesses, organizations, interventions, etc.
Anyone interested in mixing methods for social research

Course aim

To:
Be familiar with the theoretical foundations that lie at the core of SNA
Operationalise theoretical questions into SNA research designs in multidisciplinary contexts
Appreciate the various forms of data that inform SNA studies
Understand the analytical possibilities that mixed methods bring to SNA research
Learn the potential and limits of SNA research, and how they can be addressed with mixed methods

Fee info