Overview
Social network analysis that uses mixed methods has gained momentum in the last ten to fifteen years. Although not new, as SNA can count on a long and illustrious tradition of qualitative and ethnographic studies, the approach that relies on qualitative methods in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and mixes it with more or less sophisticated statistical modelling, has 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 in-person course teaches how mixed methods can be used in egonets as well as whole network analysis.
We will first overview the ontological and epistemological foundations of SNA and how they call for a mixed method approach. We will then learn how to build social network typologies, model their outcomes, and test and reformulate social network theory.
During the course, the students will practice how to collect qualitative information on social networks and reflect upon the possible analytical tools.
Your course lead
Elisa Bellotti is Senior Lecturer in Sociology and co-director of the Mitchell Centre for social network analysis at the University of Manchester.
Dr 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 has written a book on “Qualitative networks. Mixed methods in sociological research” (Routledge, 2015) and co-authored a book on “Social Network Analysis for egonets” (Sage, 2015).
Course Aims
- To understand the ontological, epistemological and methodological foundations of Social Network Analysis.
- To learn how to use qualitative methods to collect, analyse and interpret social network data.
- To learn how to mix qualitative methods with quantiative analysis of social networks.
- To critically evaluate social network studies and their methodological framework.
Resources and Recommended Reading
Bellotti E., 2014, Qualitative Networks: mixed methods in sociological research, Routledge
Bellotti E., 2020, Mixed methods in egonet analysis, in Artem Antonyuk, Nikita Basov (eds.), Networks in the Global World V: Proceedings of NetGloW 2020, Springer, 5, 15-33.
Who will benefit?
PGR students/academics/researchers in social sciences
Course Timetable
Cost
- Full fee: £325
- Reduced/PGR fee: £215
Please note this course is alternatively available combined with the introductory SNA course as a 4-day combined course. This can be booked directly and course details can be found here.
Book Your Place!
Places should be booked through the Methods@Manchester e-store by clicking the button below (payment by card only).
Bursaries
We are pleased to be able to offer a limited number of bursaries for Summer School applicants eligible for reduced fees.
The main bursary scheme is limited to PGRs from the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, but we also have a very limited number of bursaries for other applicants eligible for reduced fees who are facing exceptional circumstances.
Please see the main Summer School website (bottom of the page) for details of these bursaries and information about how to apply.
Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on methods@manchester.ac.uk