A research-pragmatic approach towards a field analytical analysis of networks

Abstract

"In this contribution, which deals with the interlinkage between field analysis and network research, the focus is not on theoretical challenges but on pragmatic research issues. The starting point of the argumentation is the assumption that network analysis - understood as a method - can be embedded into a theoretical field framework. Networks can then be characterized as phenomena whose social, practical and structural meaning can be examined in an analytical way. From this perspective, a special need for information arises which cannot be provided by a mere standardized network analysis. That is why the proposal here is to integrate qualitative and quantitative processes of network analysis into a primarily qualitatively orientated process. Via such a triangulation, knowledge about the relevance structure of an actor, the motivational background of the network contact, its forming of content and temporal change as well as the situative and context-related developments of relationships can be processed. How the field theory embedding of network embedding can be investigated with the help of text analyses and standardized network data is demonstrated by using an example. It is shown how an actor at the edge of a political field strives to improve his position in the structure of the field by changing his network." (author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Bernhard, S. (2012): Forschungspragmatische Überlegungen zu einer feldtheoretischen Netzwerkanalyse. In: M. Hennig & C. Stegbauer (Hrsg.) (2012): Die Integration von Theorie und Methode in der Netzwerkforschung, p. 117-132. DOI:10.1007/978-3-531-93464-8_7