Conservative solutions for progress: on solution types when combining QCA with in-depth Process-Tracing

What is the most appropriate QCA solution type when engaging in a multimethod design that includes QCA and in-depth process-tracing (PT)? While either the intermediate or the parsimonious solution are generally favored in QCA-only studies, we identify important challenges that can emerge when selecting those solutions in a QCA-PT multimethod study. We particularly highlight the risk of mechanistic heterogeneity, omitted conditions, and draw the attention on the issue of generalization. We discuss each of these intertwined challenges in depth, and explain why the conservative solution is useful to consider in addressing them. We substantiate our arguments by drawing on a recently completed evaluation study that was commissioned by the Flemish ESF Agency in Belgium. In the study, we combined QCA and theory-guided in-depth process-tracing to uncover under what combinations of conditions (QCA) a training programme would lead to successful training transfer and how (PT) this happened in the successful cases. The article highlights the need to carefully consider the selection of solution types in any multimethod design comprising QCA.The politics and administration of institutional chang

Conditions and Causal Mechanisms of Large-scale Contentious Politics in Authoritarian Regimes: A Multimethod Analysis of Middle East and North Africa Countries, 2010-2012

Item does not contain fulltextOver the 2011 and 2012 period, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen experienced the success of large-scale contentious politics, i.e. a fit between contentious politics and the displacement of incumbents. However, other authoritarian regimes in the MENA region, even if they experienced some form of contentious politics, these did not become successfully 'large-scale'. The empirical evidence leads us to a two-part puzzle: Why does large-scale contentious politics successfully arise in some MENA countries while in others it does not? And what are the causal mechanisms that facilitate the success of large-scale contentious politics in the typical case of Tunisia? This research introduces the concept of ‘success of large-scale contentious politics’ and applies a two-level model to compare 14 MENA countries by using a revisited Two-Step Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. As findings, a core element is identified: the context within which the success of large-scale contentious politics takes place – a non-hereditary regime – and the conjunctural role of four conditions within this context: cohesive mobilization, military defection behavior, absence of foreign rescue and low State capacity. Further, in order to understand the process of success of large-scale contentious politics, a theory-testing processtracing technique is performed. Three interconnected causal mechanisms are conceptualized: attribution of similarity, government’s carrot and stick policies of repression and accommodation and social appropriation of mobilizing vehicles, which enable to understand the whole story about how the process of success of large-scale contentious politics takes place in Tunisia. Finally, the evidence found increases our confidence in that such causal mechanisms are present and work as theorized.University of Louvain, 27 juni 2018Promotor : Rihoux, B. Co-promotores : Legrand, V., Goertz, G., Ait-Chaalal, A., Mello, P., Aoun, E.458 p

Humeurs aqueuses

Item does not contain fulltextThis contribution aims to trace back the development of QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis), which was initiated by Charles Ragin twenty-five years ago. We first analyse how the context in which QCA was launched has framed it as a research approach and also summarize the initial features of that approach. We then present the main debates spurred by QCA as well as some main responses that have been brought, particularly in terms of technical innovations. Finally, we examine the different ways in which QCA has been exploited thus far as a set of techniques (crisp-set QCA, multivalue QCA and fuzzy-set QCA), in disciplinary terms and in more descriptive v/s more explanatory ways. We then conclude with some reflections on QCA’s promises as well as perils as it is being mainstreamed and used in increasingly diverse ways.18 p

Comprehensively Mapping Political Science Methods: An Instructors’ Survey

Item does not contain fulltextA map provides a unique view over the complex relationships of competition and complementarity between methods. It goes beyond the usual approaches to methods, namely monographic, mixed, encyclopaedic and classificatory. A diverse set of 50 social and political science methods instructors were surveyed about their specialty along 17 dimensions that are regarded as contrasting by the methodology literature. Correspondence analysis and cluster analysis were used to reveal response profiles and proximities between courses. Results show that the ‘qualitative/quantitative’ divide appears structuring, but not as much as is often conceived. Quantitative-oriented courses form a rather cohesive cluster whereas qualitative courses display high variability regarding empirical material, scales of observation, techniques and epistemologies. The resulting global picture accounts for more dimensions of the quickly expanding space of methods than usual typologies of methods do. We hope it will stimulate new methodological combinations and new ways of teaching methods

Analisis Cualitativo Comparado (QCA)

Item does not contain fulltextEste Cuaderno Metodológico busca introducir a los lectores en uno de los conjuntos de técnicas de mayor desarrollo en las últimas décadas en ciencias sociales: el análisis configuracional con Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). El objetivo del cuaderno es presentar los elementos esenciales de este conjunto de técnicas y, sobre todo, ofrecer una explicación didáctica pero rigurosa que permita a usuarios no iniciados realizar con éxito análisis QCA solventes. Para ello, la obra explica tanto los presupuestos básicos de las técnicas como el uso del software más usado, paso a paso y con ejemplos concretos, para cada una de las tres variantes de la técnica: crisp-set, multi-value y fuzzy-set

Policy Effectiveness through Configurational and Mechanistic Lenses: Lessons for Concept Development

Contains fulltext : 220144pub.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)The aim of this article is to build up a concept-informed research design to answer “why and how” a policy can make a difference. It demonstrates the potential and challenges of an innovative multimethod approach, which combines a configurational and mechanistic view to policy effectiveness. The article hereto draws on experiences in applying Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Process Tracing in one single evaluation. The study calls for a rigorous treatment of concepts, especially to avoid the risk of mechanistic heterogeneity. It unpacks important lessons in concept formation and operationalization, so as to ensure concept validity and to make strong causal inferences.26 juni 202018 p