Linking Qualitative Methods to a Network Study: An Example from North Belfast

Abstract

This case discusses the procedures involved with conducting an adaptation of Creswell et al.'s (2003) mixed-method sequential exploratory design. Issues relating to the sequencing in data collection and analyses, follow-up interviewee selection and the analytic strategies employed to integrate data sets are discussed. The discussion will draw from a study which employed social network analysis as its predominant methodology, supplemented by qualitative investigation. Where there is very little literature from a network analytic perspective that discusses these design issues in connection to a whole network study, this case will provide an example of how these challenges were reconciled. The study that this discussion stems from consists of an exploratory investigation into the structure of cross-community youth leader communication and collaboration in a highly segregated area of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

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