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Can We Generalize from Case Studies?

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  • Paul F. Steinberg

Abstract

This article considers the role of generalization in comparative case studies, using as exemplars the contributions to this special issue on climate change politics. As a research practice, generalization is a logical argument for extending one’s claims beyond the data, positing a connection between events that were studied and those that were not. No methodological tradition is exempt from the requirement to demonstrate a compelling logic of generalization. The article presents a taxonomy of the logics of generalization underlying diverse research methodologies, which often go unstated and unexamined. I introduce the concept of resonance groups, which provide a causeway for cross-system generalization from single case studies. Overall the results suggest that in the comparative study of complex political systems, case study research is, ceteris paribus, on par with large-N research with respect to generalizability.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul F. Steinberg, 2015. "Can We Generalize from Case Studies?," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 15(3), pages 152-175, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:glenvp:v:15:y:2015:i:3:p:152-175
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    Cited by:

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    2. van Bers, Caroline & Delaney, Aogán & Eakin, Hallie & Cramer, Laura & Purdon, Mark & Oberlack, Christoph & Evans, Tom & Pahl-Wostl, Claudia & Eriksen, Siri & Jones, Lindsey & Korhonen-Kurki, Kaisa & V, 2019. "Advancing the research agenda on food systems governance and transformation," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 102560, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Aogán Delaney & Tom Evans & John McGreevy & Jordan Blekking & Tyler Schlachter & Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki & Peter A. Tamás & Todd A. Crane & Hallie Eakin & Wiebke Förch & Lindsey Jones & Donald R. Nelson , 2018. "Governance of food systems across scales in times of social-ecological change: a review of indicators," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(2), pages 287-310, April.
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    5. Walters, G. & Baruah, M. & Karambiri, M. & Osei-Wusu Adjei, P. & Samb, C. & Barrow, E., 2021. "The power of choice: How institutional selection influences restoration success in Africa," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Generalizations; Research; Methods; climate change politics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • Q0 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General

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