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A qualitative assessment of QCA: method stretching in large-N studies and temporality

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  • Victoria Finn

    (European University Institute
    Universidad Diego Portales)

Abstract

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a descriptive research method that can provide causal explanations for an outcome of interest. Despite extensive quantitative assessments of the method, my objective is to contribute to the scholarly discussion with insights constructed through a qualitative lens. Researchers using the QCA approach have less ability to incorporate and nuance information on set membership as the number of cases grows. While recognizing the suggested ways to overcome such challenges, I argue that since setting criteria for membership, calibrating, and categorizing are crucial QCA aspects that require in-depth knowledge, QCA is unfit for larger-N studies. Additionally, I also discuss that while the method is able to identify various parts of a causal configuration—the ‘what’—it falls short to shed light on the ‘how’ and ‘why,’ especially when temporality matters. Researchers can complement it with other methods, such as process tracing and case studies, to fill in these missing explanatory pieces or clarify contradictions—which begs the question of why they would also choose to use QCA.

Suggested Citation

  • Victoria Finn, 2022. "A qualitative assessment of QCA: method stretching in large-N studies and temporality," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(5), pages 3815-3830, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:56:y:2022:i:5:d:10.1007_s11135-021-01278-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-021-01278-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Braumoeller, Bear F., 2015. "Guarding Against False Positives in Qualitative Comparative Analysis," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(4), pages 471-487.
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    6. Krogslund, Chris & Choi, Donghyun Danny & Poertner, Mathias, 2015. "Fuzzy Sets on Shaky Ground: Parameter Sensitivity and Confirmation Bias in fsQCA," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(1), pages 21-41, January.
    7. Collier, David & Mahon, James E., 1993. "Conceptual “Stretching” Revisited: Adapting Categories in Comparative Analysis," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 87(4), pages 845-855, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anh Thi Nguyen & Alrence S. Halibas & Robert McClelland & Nguyen Hoang Thuan, 2024. "Configurational analysis of conditions influencing customers’ channel switching intention in omnichannel retailing: a fuzzy-set analysis," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 141-178, February.
    2. Cayetano Medina-Molina & María de la Sierra Rey-Tienda & Eva María Suárez-Redondo, 2022. "The Transition of Cities towards Innovations in Mobility: Searching for a Global Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-17, June.
    3. Dallas J. Elgin & Erin Erickson & Meredith Crews & Leila C. Kahwati & Heather L. Kane, 2024. "Applying qualitative comparative analysis in large-N studies: a scoping review of good practices before, during, and after the analytic moment," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 58(5), pages 4241-4256, October.

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