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Methods in Study Abroad Research: Past, present, and future
Edited by Carmen Pérez-Vidal and Cristina Sanz
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 4] 2023
► pp. 345–372

Chapter 14
Researching study abroad

Tracking social networks

 | University of Southampton
This chapter introduces the concept of the social network (SN) and its origins in social sciences as a means of linking identity and social practice. The concept has been adopted primarily by study abroad (SA) researchers interested in explaining variation in SA social integration and related language learning outcomes. The chapter reviews different empirical approaches adopted to study sojourner SNs, including case studies, mathematical modelling and graphic visualisation. It is argued that SN research has enriched our understanding of sojourners’ evolving social and linguistic practices, but that its contribution to understanding variation in linguistic development remains underdeveloped. A set of principles is proposed to guide future research, supporting closer links between the study of SNs and sojourner language practices.
Keywords: social networks: definition, individual network of practice, social network index, social networks: egocentric, social networks: total networks, social network types: centrality, social network types: density, social network types: durability, social network types: multiplexity, sociogram
Article outline
  • Introduction: What is a social network?
  • Empirical research on social networks in SA: Methods and findings
    • Foundational study and theoretical motivations
    • Case studies of egocentric networks
    • Quantitative studies
  • Contributions of SNA to understanding language development through SA
  • Limitations of social networks research
  • Guiding principles for SN research
  • Conclusion and suggestions for future studies
  • A note on ethical practice in SN/SA research
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 3 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.4.14mit
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