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Achieving Methodological Alignment When Combining QCA and Process tracing in Practice

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  • Derek Beach

Abstract

This article explores the practical challenges one faces when combining qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and process tracing (PT) in a manner that is consistent with their underlying assumptions about the nature of causal relationships. While PT builds on a mechanism-based understanding of causation, QCA as a comparative method makes claims about counterfactual causal relationships. Given the need to ensure alignment between the ontological understandings of causation that underlie a method and methodological practice, the different ontological foundations result in methodological guidelines that contradict each other, forcing the analyst to choose whether to be more in alignment with one or the other method. This article explores the implications of contrasting guidelines in a practical case study, where a QCA for sufficiency is followed by two PT case studies of positive cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Derek Beach, 2018. "Achieving Methodological Alignment When Combining QCA and Process tracing in Practice," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 47(1), pages 64-99, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:47:y:2018:i:1:p:64-99
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124117701475
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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, October.
    2. Hooghe, Liesbet & Marks, Gary, 2009. "A Postfunctionalist Theory of European Integration: From Permissive Consensus to Constraining Dissensus," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 39(1), pages 1-23, January.
    3. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226702766 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Hirschhorn, Fabio & Veeneman, Wijnand & van de Velde, Didier, 2019. "Organisation and performance of public transport: A systematic cross-case comparison of metropolitan areas in Europe, Australia, and Canada," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 419-432.
    2. Di Paola, Nadia & Russo Spena, Tiziana, 2019. "What drives biopharmaceutical firms' exploratory openness? A comparative process tracing approach to the analysis of R&D microfoundations," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 94-103.

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