Course Overview
Social Network Analysis (SNA) has gained momentum in the last decades. SNA itself has a long and illustrious tradition of qualitative and ethnographic studies as well as quantitative methods. However, the approach that uses qualitative methods in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and mixes it with statistical modelling, has recently been the centre of theoretical and methodological debates.
Drawing on empirical examples that combine various quantitative and qualitative tools in collecting, contextualizing, analysing and interpreting social network data, this course run in collaboration with the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis (a leading centre in the development and application of social network analysis techniques) focuses on how mixed methods can be used in social network research, with a focus on personal networks analysis.
We start the course with an overview of the ontological and epistemological 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 analysis and illustrate some basic measures for whole networks and egonetworks. We will discuss how to build social network typologies, model their outcomes, and test and reformulate social network theory.
Throughout the course students will have the opportunity to discuss their research plans and analytical strategies during the project clinic sessions.
Course Leads
Dr Elisa Bellotti has published extensively on applications of social network analysis and mixed methods in sociological substantive fields, like criminal networks, scientific networks, and personal networks. Her recent work focuses on gender aspects of social network formations and outcomes, and on health networks. She recently published “Qualitative networks. Mixed methods in sociological research” (Routledge, 2015) and co-authored “Social Network Analysis for egonets” (Sage, 2015).
Dr Filip Agneessens in quantitative methods for social network analysis and has worked on both measures and applications of social network analysis. He has applied social networks to intra-organizational contexts, policy networks, cultural networks and school classes. He is a coauthor of the third edition of the book “Analyzing Social Networks” (2022) and of “Analyzing Social Networks using R” (Sage, 2022).
Course Objectives
- To understand the ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations of SNA.
- To learn how to use qualitative and quantitative methods to collect, analyse and interpret social network data.
- To learn how to mix qualitative methods with quantitative analysis of social networks.
- To critically evaluate social network studies and their methodological framework.
Is there any preparatory work or pre-requisites?
The module does not require any background knowledge in SNA and will be hands-on. However, you will be expected to bring your own personal computer with UCINET (which includes Enet) installed.
Course Timetable
This course will take place in-person Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July.
We are pleased to also include a social programme on the first two evenings where attendees at all course can come together. This features a welcome event and a city walking tour. Please see the Summer School website for details.
Costs
- Full price: £900
- PGR/Reduced Rate: £600
As well as PGRs, reduced fees are also available to those working within the voluntary, charity and community sector. We also have two bursary options available for those entitled to reduced fees. Please view more information on our page here to find out your eligibility and how to apply.
Unfortunately this course will no longer be running this year. We hope to bring you something similar next year. To be the first to know please sign up to our mailing list.
Credits:
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