Comparative Research with Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Date:

16/04/2015 - 17/04/2015

Organised by:

University of Manchester

Presenter:

Wendy Olsen

Level:

Intermediate (some prior knowledge)

Contact:

claire.spencer@manchester.ac.uk

Map:

View in Google Maps  (M13 9PL)

Venue:

Humanities Bridgeford Street
University of Manchester
M13 9PL

Description:

The course is designed for those doing comparative research, whether they have 8 cases or 30 cases or more.  The methodological issues reviewed include how history, institutional context and quantitative data can be brought to bear on a comparative project (first morning); and new ways of doing mixed methods comparative research (first afternoon).  This includes an introduction to NVIVO software for organising data. We explain how case-studies might be useful for medium-N or small-N comparative cross-national research (second morning). In addition we introduce a realist approach to causality.  This mixed-methods approach offers concrete ways to improve the validity of claims made (epistemology) .  In qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), necessary conditions are distinguished from sufficient conditions (second afternoon).  QCA assumes that the most interesting causal mechanisms operate contingently, i.e. not always. We combine these ideas with three exemplar data sets to reach improved explanations of real-world outcomes.

 The aims of the course are:

-to introduce comparative methods at an advanced methodological level

-to introduce the now established techniques of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)

-to demonstrate mixed methods and qualitative comparative analysis using software

-to show the role of history and institutional analysis in comparative research

-to raise issues about sample selection and research design in comparative research.

No previous knowledge of NVIVO is needed.  Both NVIVO and Excel software are used during the workshop.  See http://www.qsrinternational.com/  and  http://caqdas.soc.surrey.ac.uk/ for technical background information.

Cost:

Standard NCRM rates

Website and registration:

Region:

North West

Keywords:

Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Qualitative Data Coding, Complementary, Integration, Triangulation

Related publications and presentations:

Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Qualitative Data Coding
Complementary
Integration
Triangulation

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