Social Network Analysis and Qualitative Comparative Analysis: Their mutual benefit for the explanation of policy network structures

By switching the level of analysis and aggregating data from the micro-level of individual cases to the macro-level, quantitative data can be analysed within a more case-based approach. This paper presents such an approach in two steps: In a first step, it discusses the combination of Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) in a sequential mixed-methods research design. In such a design, quantitative social network data on individual cases and their relations at the micro-level are used to describe the structure of the network that these cases constitute at the macro-level. Different network structures can then be compared by QCA. This strategy allows adding an element of potential causal explanation to SNA, while SNA-indicators allow for a systematic description of the cases to be compared by QCA. Because mixing methods can be a promising, but also a risky endeavour, the methodological part also discusses the possibility that underlying assumptions of both methods could clash. In a second step, the research design presented beforehand is applied to an empirical study of policy network structures in Swiss politics. Through a comparison of 11 policy networks, causal paths that lead to a conflictual or consensual policy network structure are identified and discussed. The analysis reveals that different theoretical factors matter and that multiple conjunctural causation is at work. Based on both the methodological discussion and the empirical application, it appears that a combination of SNA and QCA can represent a helpful methodological design for social science research and a possibility of using quantitative data with a more case-based approach.

Convention revising the General Act of Berlin, February 26, 1885, and the General Act and Declaration of Brussels, July 2, 1890 : signed at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, September 10, 1919.

"Presented to Parliament by Command of His Majesty."

Frieze -- Social Sciences

Frieze located in front of building. Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, architects. W.B. Wood Co., construction

New description of Blenheim, the seat of His Grace the Duke of Marlborough: : containing a full and accurate account of the paintings, tapestry, and furniture; a picturesque tour of the gardens and park; and a general description of the China Gallery, &c., with a preliminary essay on landscape gardening. ...

Author identified in Halkett and Laing (2nd ed.).

Hearing: in the matter of the minimum wage recommendations of Special Industry Committee no. 17-A for the silk, rayon, and nylon underwear division and the general division of the needlework and fabricated textile products industry in Puerto Rico, August 29 and 30, 1955.

Mode of access: Internet.

Clark J. Herringshaw's city blue book of current biography; Chicago men of ... ; an alphabetical record of citizens prominent in their chosen vocations in Chicago's educational, social, civil, industrial and commercial affairs ...

Title varies slightly.

What you should know about unemployment compensation : some questions and answers concerning the unemployment compensation provisions of the Social Security Act and state unemployment laws /

"March 1937."

Mastering power production : the industrial, economic and social problems involved and their solution /

Mode of access: Internet.

Historical notes, General Electric Company; being a history of Thomson-Houston Co. and Edison General Electric Co. which were consolidated to form the General Electric Co.

CONDITION: Good.

Civil procedure reports : containing cases under the Code of civil procedure and the general civil practice of the State of New York.

Reports cover 1881-1907.

Nominations of Ginger Ehn Lew to be General Counsel ... Lauri Fitz-Pegado to be Assistant Secretary and Director-General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service of the Department of Commerce : hearing before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, One Hundred Third Congress, second session, February 10, 1994.

Shipping list no.: 95-0098-P.

The Florida of the Inca; a history of adelantado, Hernando de Soto, Governor and Captain General of the kingdom of Florida, and of other heroic Spanish and Indian cavaliers,

Translation of La Florida del Inca.