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Studying Rare Events Through Qualitative Case Studies

Author

Listed:
  • DAVID J. HARDING

    (Harvard University dharding@wjh.harvard.edu)

  • CYBELLE FOX

    (Harvard University fox@fas.harvard.edu)

  • JAL D. MEHTA

    (Harvard University jmehta@fas.harvard.edu)

Abstract

This article considers five methodological challenges in studying rare events such as school shootings. Drawing on the literature on causal analysis in macro-historical and other small -N research, it outlines strategies for studying school shootings using qualitative case studies and illustrates these strategies using data from case studies of two rampage school shootings: Heath High School in West Paducah, Kentucky, and Westside Middle School outside Jonesboro, Arkansas. Strengths and limitations are discussed as well as lessons for studying rare events .

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Harding & Cybelle Fox & Jal D. Mehta, 2002. "Studying Rare Events Through Qualitative Case Studies," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 31(2), pages 174-217, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:31:y:2002:i:2:p:174-217
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124102031002003
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ragin, Charles C., 2000. "Fuzzy-Set Social Science," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226702773, October.
    2. King, Gary & Zeng, Langche, 2001. "Explaining Rare Events in International Relations," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 55(3), pages 693-715, July.
    3. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226702766 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. O'Kane, Rosemary H. T., 1981. "A Probabilistic Approach to the Causes of Coups d'Etat," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(3), pages 287-308, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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