Data collection for mixed method approaches in social network analysis

The aim of this chapter is to support researchers with their data collection and to provide an overview of how mixed method approaches can be applied in social network analysis. This topic is seldom discussed in the literature, although the selection and combination of formats and instruments for data collection is demanding and complex. This chapter provides an overview how different methods can be combined and integrated to address relational research questions from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The pros and cons of combining different methods are illustrated with recent examples of social network research. Finally, a guideline is suggested to support researchers with their data collection in a mixed methods social networks research design.