Configurational Comparative Methods

Configurational Comparative Methods paves the way for an innovative approach to empirical scientific work through a strategy that integrates key strengths of both qualitative (case-oriented) and quantitative (variable-oriented) approaches. This first-of-its-kind text is ideally suited for small-N or intermediate-N research situations which both mainstream qualitative and quantitative methods find difficult to address. Benoît Rihoux and Charles C. Ragin along with their contributing authors offer both a basic comparative research design overview and a technical and hands-on review of Crisp-Set QCA (csQCA) Multi-Value QCA (mvQCA) and Fuzzy-Set QCA (fsQCA).Key FeaturesDiscusses existing applications in many different fields and disciplines along with state-of-the-art coverage of the strengths and limitations of these techniquesDemonstrates further inventive ways of using QCA techniquesProvides advice on how to develop a comparative research design (case and variable selection) as well as a specific technique called MSDO/MDSO (most similar different outcome/most different same outcome).Shows how to perform the technical operations linked to three specific QCA techniques: csQCA mvQCA and fsQCAIncludes a glossary an extensive bibliography and a detailed list of good practices at every stage of the research processIntended AudienceA must for any student or researcher who wants to engage in systematic cross-case comparison in the social and behavioral sciences the book is ideal for use in upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level social science research methods courses.