Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Description:

Thu 9 June 1300 - 1500 and Fri 10 June 1300 - 1600

This workshop provides an introduction to an increasingly popular range of analytic techniques in comparative research, commonly referred to as QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis). Based on set theory and formal logic, QCA aims to provide causal generalizations that strike a balance between complexity (inherent in case-oriented approaches) and generalizability (associated with variable-oriented approaches). The aim is to provide a practical understanding of both the crisp-set and fuzzy-set versions of QCA and to examine the main epistemological, methodological and mathematical foundations of these techniques.

Part 1: Introduction to crisp-set QCA (csQCA) The first part of the workshop offers an introduction to the original, crisp-set version of QCA. We will first discuss the key concepts used in QCA literature, such as subset relations, complex causation, and equifinality. This will be followed by the basics of Boolean algebra. Finally, focusing on logical minimization and truth table analysis, we will explore how crisp-set QCA is done in practice. We will also discuss briefly how the concepts and procedures used in QCA relate to standard statistical concepts and regression analysis. Given the time constraints, the focus will be more on practical than theoretical underpinnings of QCA.

Part 2: Introduction to fuzzy-set QCA (fsQCA) In the second part of the workshop we will focus on fuzzy-set QCA. This is a more advanced version of QCA that allows cases to have partial membership in sets, which makes fuzzy sets akin to conventional interval-scale variables. We will provide an overview of this technique and its main steps, focusing on key differences between crisp-set and fuzzy-set logics; the principles of data calibration, the use of conventional truth tables to analyze fuzzy-set data, and the assessment of subset relationships with fuzzy sets. Following the lecture, we will turn to a practical exercise where participants will be introduced to the QCA software and given a simple data set to run a QCA analysis. We will close by discussing the weaknesses and some recent criticism raised against QCA.

Cost:

Students from the universities of City, UEA, Essex, Goldsmiths, Kent, Reading, Roehampton, Royal Holloway, Surrey can book for the discounted price of £10.
All other students pay £30.
External staff £100.

Website and registration:

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/doctoralschool/esrcdtc/training/socialresearchtraining

Region:

South East

Keywords:

Systematic Review, Hard to reach populations, Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Related publications and presentations:

Systematic Review
Hard to reach populations
Qualitative Comparative Analysis

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