Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: The application of scientific methods is an essential element when conducting research. They ensure reproducible results and improve the overall quality of the research projects. The aim of this paper is to introduce a method called Qualitative Comparative Analysis, which is currently nearly unrecognized within our discipline. Being neither a pure quantitative nor qualitative method, it yields potential benefits arising from both research streams. It accommodates answering research questions that simultaneously demand a deep understanding of complex relationships and also require the analysis of more than just a few single cases. The paper gives an introduction to this method and demonstrates its usefulness on the basis of two recently carried out research projects. In the end, the Qualitative Comparative Analysis proves to be a valuable addition to the canon of research methods and enriches the applied character of our discipline by contributing to the improvement of both rigor and relevance.
Authors: Roy Wendler, Helena Bukvova, Sandra Leupold
Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W37146074