Abstract
Leading methods for pursuing qualitative research in the field of comparative politics are discussed. On one hand, qualitative researchers in this field use a variety of methods of theory development: procedures for generating new hypotheses, tools for pursuing conceptual innovation, and techniques for identifying populations of homogeneous cases. On the other hand, they employ both within-case and cross-case methods of theory testing. Within-case methods include techniques for identifying intervening mechanisms and testing multiple observable implications of theories. Cross-case methods include a host of approaches for assessing hypotheses about necessary and sufficient causes. The article discusses the distinctive leverage offered by qualitative research for addressing questions in comparative politics.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 122-144 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Comparative Political Studies |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2007 |
Keywords
- Case selection
- Causal inference
- Theory generation
- Theory testing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science