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Paradoxes and Pitfalls in Using Fuzzy Set QCA: Illustrations from a Critical Review of a Study of Educational Inequality

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  • Barry Cooper
  • Judith Glaesser

Abstract

Charles Ragin's crisp set and fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA and fsQCA) are being used by increasing numbers of social scientists interested in combining analytic rigour with case-based approaches. As with all techniques that become available in easy-to-use software packages, there is a danger that QCA will come to be used in a routinised manner, with not enough attention being paid to its particular strengths and weaknesses. Users of fsQCA in particular need to be very aware of particular problems that can arise when fuzzy logic lies behind their analyses. This paper aims to increase its readers' understanding of some of these problems and of some means by which they might be alleviated. We use a critical discussion of a recent paper by Freitag and Schlicht addressing social inequality in education in Germany as our vehicle. After summarising the substantive claims of the paper, we explain some key features of QCA. We subsequently discuss two main issues, (i) limited diversity and the various ways of using counterfactual reasoning to address it, and (ii) the logical paradoxes that can arise when using fsQCA. Making different choices than Freitag and Schlicht do in respect of dealing with these two issues, we undertake some reanalysis of their data, showing that their conclusions must be treated with some caution. We end by drawing some general lessons for users of QCA.

Suggested Citation

  • Barry Cooper & Judith Glaesser, 2011. "Paradoxes and Pitfalls in Using Fuzzy Set QCA: Illustrations from a Critical Review of a Study of Educational Inequality," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(3), pages 106-119, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:16:y:2011:i:3:p:106-119
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.2444
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ragin, Charles C., 2000. "Fuzzy-Set Social Science," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226702773, January.
    2. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226702766 is not listed on IDEAS
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    2. Barry Cooper & Judith Glaesser, 2016. "Analysing necessity and sufficiency with Qualitative Comparative Analysis: how do results vary as case weights change?," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 50(1), pages 327-346, January.
    3. Gilbert, Brett Anitra & Campbell, Joanna Tochman, 2015. "The geographic origins of radical technological paradigms: A configurational study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(2), pages 311-327.
    4. Bedford, David S. & Malmi, Teemu & Sandelin, Mikko, 2016. "Management control effectiveness and strategy: An empirical analysis of packages and systems," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 12-28.
    5. Pittino, Daniel & Visintin, Francesca & Lauto, Giancarlo, 2017. "A configurational analysis of the antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 224-237.
    6. Leroy White & Andy Lockett & Graeme Currie & James Hayton, 2021. "Hybrid Context, Management Practices and Organizational Performance: A Configurational Approach," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(3), pages 718-748, May.
    7. Schneider, Martin R. & Eggert, Andreas, 2014. "Embracing complex causality with the QCA method: An invitation," jbm - Journal of Business Market Management, Free University Berlin, Marketing Department, vol. 7(1), pages 312-328.
    8. David Bedford & Mikko Sandelin, 2015. "Investigating management control configurations using qualitative comparative analysis: an overview and guidelines for application," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 5-26, April.
    9. Beynon, Malcolm J. & Jones, Paul & Pickernell, David, 2020. "Country-level entrepreneurial attitudes and activity through the years: A panel data analysis using fsQCA," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 443-455.

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