Course Overview
Social network analysis has gained momentum in the last decades. Although SNA can count on a long and illustrious tradition of qualitative and ethnographic studies as well as quantitative methods, the approach that relies on qualitative methods in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and mixes it with more or less sophisticated 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, 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. Through the module students will have the opportunity to discuss their research plans and analytical strategies during the project clinic sessions.
Taster session
On 26 February 12-1pm we will hold an online taster session. Join Dr Elisa Bellotti who will introduce some of the activities that are planned for the summer school. There will also be chance to talk to Elisa and ask questions so that you can get a sense of whether this summer school is the right fit for you.
Course Leads
Dr Elisa Bellotti is Senior Lecturer in Sociology and co-director of the Mitchell Centre for SNA at University of Manchester. She is a world-leading expert in SNA applications in interdisciplinary fields (health, gender inequalities, criminology, domestic violence). She has robust experience in designing and delivering research projects with combinations of SNA, qualitative methods and advanced statistical models. She is currently serving as President of the International Network for Social Network Analysis (INSNA), as editorial board member of the Journal Social Networks, and as Sociology editor for the Journal Network Science.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, students will be able 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
Is there any preparatory work or pre-requisites?
Although there are no required readings ahead of the course, the following are good introductions:
- Bellotti E., 2015, Qualitative Networks: mixed methods in sociological research, Routledge, London.
- Bellotti E., 2020, Mixed methods in egonet analysis. in Antonyuk, A. & Basov, N. (eds.), Networks in the Global World V: Proceedings of NetGloW 2020, Springer, 5, 15–33.
Who should attend?
This is not an introductory course in SNA, so no software will be used and no measures or models introduced. Likewise, it is not an introductory course in qualitative or quantitative methods. Students are not expected to be proficient in any specific methods, but familiarity in research design for social science projects is recommended. 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 Timetable
This course will take place in-person Monday 6 July and Tuesday 7 July
1:30 - 5:00pm Monday
Qualitative & quantitative approaches of data collection
- Theoretical foundations of SNA
- Egonets VS Whole nets
- How to gather SNA data via qualitative methods
Exercise: SNA interview
9:00 - 12:30pm Tuesday
Egonets
- Collect egonets via qualitative methods
- Network Canvas
- Analysing egonets with mixed methods
Project clinic: Get advice on your own project
1:30 - 5:00pm Tuesday
Whole networks
- Collect whole networks with qualitative methods
- Multilevel networks
- Analyzing whole networks with mixed methods
Project clinic: Get advice on your own project
What's included in the course?
Each full day includes a vegan buffet lunch served 12.30-1.30pm. There are morning and afternoon refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, water, and pastries/cakes.
The course includes a social programme - these are optional but free social events for everyone attending our summer school to meet attendees from other courses in a relaxed environment.
Accommodation and travel are not included in the course price. You will need to arrange any accommodation and travel separately.
Cost
- Full price: £330
- PGR/Reduced Rate: £220
As well as PGRs, reduced fees are 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 main Summer School website to find out more and how to apply.
Book Your Place
Please purchase via our online store below before 15 June (payment by card only). If you any questions, or will have trouble purchasing by this date please get in touch with methods@manchester.ac.uk.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on methods@manchester.ac.uk
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