Qualitative Network Research (QUALNET)

• Applicant: Dr. Andreas Herz
• Subject Area: Empirical Social Research ; Educational Research on Socialization, Welfare and Professionalism
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 427515246

During the past 15 years, qualitative approaches have been discussed more frequently in the field of predominantly standardized-quantitative network research in social sciences. Concrete research projects, however, are constantly faced with the challenge of dealing with open questions regarding the concrete application of qualitative network research. The open questions relate to the theorizing of qualitative approaches to network research, to the use of qualitative methods of data collection and analysis and to the methodological consolidation of theory and method. In empirical studies, innovative approaches are being developed (e.g. in the work of young scholars), and especially activities in German language sustainably shape the current (international) discussion. So far, however, these approaches have not been critically discussed and systematized in order to make them usable for research activities. In addition, fundamental questions, such as the development of one or more qualitative network research methodologies, often cannot be developed in individual empirical projects, but require a systematic and more comprehensive discussion of the relationship between theory and method. The scientific network "Qualitative Network Research" (QUALNET) therefore pursues the goals (1) of systematising and further developing the current state of knowledge on the method and methodology of the interdisciplinary, rapidly growing, specifically German research strand of Qualitative Network Research and (2) of linking this advancing this German-language discussion to the international discussion.The scientific network QUALNET comprises 12 scientists, who have been intensively involved both practically and theoretically in qualitative network research. The work program comprises 5 meetings at different locations in Germany, where the questions raised above are systematically discussed. In addition, the work of the network will be tied back to the international discussion by organizing a session at the International Network for Social Network Analysis (INSNA) at an early stage of the network’s activity and using its results in a subsequent work meeting for the overall purpose of the network.The results of the network regarding the systematization and further development of the German-speaking discussion on methods and methodologies of qualitative network research will be collected in an English-language anthology and further disseminated via an online platform of the network. Individual and joint national as well as international publications and presentations by network members will complement this output.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks