Contextualised Network Maps: A Qualitative Approach Exploring the Role of Social Networking Sites in News-Related Media Repertoires

• In Event: Online News

Abstract

This paper introduces contextualised network maps as a qualitative approach to study media repertoires. With their origins in the sociological analysis of personal networks, egocentric network maps are adapted here to visualise patterns of media use and then contextualised with qualitative interviews and data collected during participant observation. This integrative approach is illustrated by a study on the routines and practices of news consumption within and around social networking services. We will demonstrate how the mapping exercise can complement other qualitative methods to explore the structure, meaning and processes of cross-media user practices and discuss the scope and limits for visualizing and analysing the interrelatedness between social networking services and traditional mass media.

Keywords: media repertoire, qualitative network research, social networking services, cross-media news

Author

• Lisa Merten, Hans Bredow Institute, U of Hamburg