Leveraging Social Network Analysis for a Fusion of Methodologies in Sociology

This article argues for a new paradigm in understanding social behavior through the application of a mixed methods design within social network analysis (SNA). By understanding SNA as a field of study and integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies within it, the article proposes a comprehensive research design capable of constructing social mechanisms that has the potential to elucidate explanations at micro, meso, and macro levels. The article thoroughly examines SNA as a field of study where both methodological traditions are equally valued and needed. The implications offer a robust approach for scholarly pursuits investigating social phenomena in sociology.