Fuzzy Set and QCA Analysis

Date:

08/09/2017

Organised by:

Cathie Marsh Institute

Presenter:

Stephanie Thomson & Wendy Olsen

Level:

Intermediate (some prior knowledge)

Contact:

cmist-courses@manchester.ac.uk

Map:

View in Google Maps  (M13 9PL)

Venue:

Humanities Bridgeford Street
University of Manchester
Manchester

Description:

Outline

Qualitative Comparative Analysis is a systematic method of studying data on multiple comparable cases from about N=8 through to large datasets of N=10,000 etc. The QCA methods firstly involve casing, i.e. delineating cases; secondly organising a systematic data  matrix (we will show these in NVIVO and in Excel); thirdly examining sets of cases known as configurations; fourth interpreting these in terms of ‘necessary cause’ and ‘sufficient cause’ of each major outcome of interest.  We demonstrate the fsQCA software for QCA. A fuzzy set is a record of the membership score of a case in a characteristic or set.  A crisp set is a membership value of 0 (not in the set) or 1 (fully in the set), and thus is a simplified measure compared with a fuzzy set. Fuzzy sets or crisp sets, and combinations, can be used in QCA.  All the permutations of the causal factors, known as X variates, are considered one by one.  We test whether X is necessary, or sufficient, or both, for an outcome Y.  We then augment the standard measures of ‘consistency’.  We show that one can generate both within-group and sample-wide consistency levels for testing sufficient cause.

This one-day training course will attract those doing case-study research, those using the comparative research approaches, and those who want to extend their skills in QCA and fuzzy analysis from beginner to intermediate levels. It will suit qualitative researchers with no prior experience, as well as quantitative and mixed-methods researchers; all are welcome.  

Objectives

Learn to compare nested cases, or isolated but comparable cases such as countries.

Learn to measure fuzzy and crisp sets.

Learn to test a pair of X and Y variates for X being sufficient or necessary for Y.

Learn enough about Boolean algebra to perceive that a simplified causal solution  might correspond to a complex causal solution.

Examine how measures can indicate whether a pattern of data appears to be consistent with sufficiency.

Examine and run the fsQCA Software (freeware available from the University of Arizona online).

Consider matters of sampling and population-wide descriptive statistics for the data, and whether a statistical test of fsQCA might be used.

Prerequisites

As an intermediate level course, about 2-3 hours should be spent on the preliminary readings or looking at examples on the compass website.

Cost:

£195 (£140 for those from educational, government and charitable institutions)

Website and registration:

Region:

North West

Keywords:

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Mixed Methods Approaches (other), fsqca , fuzzy set qualitative comparative , fuzzy set , qualitative comparative analysis

Related publications and presentations:

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Mixed Methods Approaches (other)

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