Linking Quantitative and Qualitative Network Approaches: A Review of Mixed Methods Social Network Analysis in Education Research

Social network analysis (SNA) is becoming a prevalent method in education research and practice. But criticism has been voiced against the heavy reliance on quantification within SNA. Recent work suggests combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in SNA—mixed methods social network analysis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of research in education 2020-03, Vol.44 (1), p.244-268
Main Authors: Froehlich, Dominik E., Van Waes, Sara, Schäfer, Hannah
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coding
Criticism
Educational Research
Interpersonal Relationship
Mixed Methods Research
Network Analysis
Research Methodology
Research Reports
Researchers
Social Networks
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Summary:Social network analysis (SNA) is becoming a prevalent method in education research and practice. But criticism has been voiced against the heavy reliance on quantification within SNA. Recent work suggests combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in SNA—mixed methods social network analysis (MMSNA)—as a remedy. MMSNA is helpful for addressing research questions related to the formal or structural side of relationships and networks, but it also attends to more qualitative questions such as the meaning of interactions or the variability of social relationships. In this chapter, we describe how researchers have applied and presented MMSNA in publications from the perspective of general mixed methods research. Based on a systematic review, we summarize the different applications within the field of education and learning research, point to potential shortcomings of the methods and its presentation, and develop an agenda to support researchers in conducting future MMSNA research.
ISSN:0091-732X
1935-1038
DOI:10.3102/0091732X20903311