ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the convergence between ethnographic and social network methods, as well as the benefits and challenges of ethnographic mixed methods social network analysis (MMSNA) research designs. After briefly discussing the shared history and principles of ethnographic and social network research, I argue that ethnographic MMSNA designs are especially potent for understanding how people experience the networks they are embedded in. I then discuss some challenges that are likely to arise whenever social network studies incorporate ethnographic fieldwork. These include tensions in researcher roles and ethical issues linked to the sensitivity of social network data. I show how these challenges can be overcome by referring to best practice in ethnographic research. I also provide unique, tentative evidence suggesting that long-term relationships established during fieldwork may not induce systematic biases in participants’ network responses, at least in terms of network size and composition. I demonstrate my various points by discussing an MMSNA case study of a primary school, and conclude with some guidelines for researchers wishing to employ ethnographic MMSNA research designs.
