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Member rate £492.50
Non-Member rate £985.00
Save £45 Loyalty discount applied automatically*
Save 5% on each additional course booked
*If you attended our Methods School in the last calendar year, you qualify for £45 off your course fee.
Friday 22 February 13:00–15:00 and 15:30–18:00
Saturday 23 February 09:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30
This course introduces you to the logic and basics of case-oriented and set-theoretic methods. It is particularly useful (and, for QCA, mandatory) preparation for the main courses on process tracing, comparative case study design, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA).
We start by reflecting on different types of research questions, evidence and observations, causal effects and causal mechanisms.
The course then covers the basics of set theory, sets, set calibration, and logical operations. We will discuss different perspectives on causation (probabilistic versus deterministic, symmetric versus asymmetric, causal complexity, context) and the logic of necessary and sufficient conditions. We will apply these notions by looking at different ways of defining, structuring, and operationalizing social science concepts.
For participants on the QCA course, the lab session includes a (mandatory) introduction to the R software environment.
For all other participants, the lab session offers problem-based learning on concept formation in groups.
1 credit (pass/fail grade). Attend at least 90% of course hours, participate fully in in-class activities, and carry out the necessary reading and/or other work prior to, and after, class.
Eva Thomann is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Politics of the University of Exeter who specialises in Public Policy and Public Administration. Previously she held research positions at the University of Bern, the Mannheim Centre for European Social Research, the University of Heidelberg, and the European University Institute in Florence.
Eva is the first author of Designing Research with Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). and the award-winning monograph Customized implementation of European Union food safety policy: United in diversity?
She has published extensively on case-oriented and set-theoretic research methods, policy implementation, and Europeanisation using innovative case-oriented and set-theoretic methodology such as Enhanced Standard Analysis, formal set-theoretic theory evaluation, robustness tests, large-N QCA, congruence analysis, explanatory typologies, and Comparative Multilevel Analysis.
Eva Thomann teaches case-oriented and set-theoretic methods at doctoral schools, invited workshops, and at MA level. She serves in various international networks and contributes to the development of pedagogical resources and other innovations in the use and teaching of QCA. See her personal website
@EvaThomannThis course introduces you to the logic and basics of case-oriented and set-theoretic methods. It is useful preparation for the main courses on process tracing and comparative case study design, and mandatory for those taking the main course Introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA).
By the end of the course, you will:
The course has an introductory and preparatory focus. It will not provide you with specific methods skills yet, but introduce you to the underlying logic of case-oriented and set-theoretic methods. The R lab session will not give you sufficient skills to independently perform empirical data analysis with R; instead, it will familiarize you with the very basic operational features of R in R studio, and give you an opportunity to gain a first experience in working with empirical datasets in R.
Session 1
I introduce basic notions of case-oriented and set-theoretic methods.
What kind of perspective do such methods adopt?
Why would we want to adopt such a perspective?
We start by identifying different epistemological perspectives in the social sciences and situation case-oriented and set-theoretic research therein. We will then reflect on different types of goals of research and research questions, and how they serve to disentangle different empirical patterns in terms of causal effects or causal mechanisms. I
We will also look at and contrast different types of evidence and observations to be used in such analyses, as well as the nature and role of context.
Session 2
The basics of set theory. We start by defining what it means to think of social phenomena as sets, look into types of sets (crisp, fuzzy, multi-value), and how we can attribute empirical cases to sets (calibration).
Next, we will get familiar with logical operations on sets and relations between sets. This leads us to discuss the logic of necessary and sufficient conditions and its applicability in the theory and practice of social science research. Based on this, we will contrast different perspectives on causation (probabilistic versus deterministic, symmetric versus asymmetric).
Session 3
We start to think about the notion of causal complexity and what it entails in social reality. What does it mean when we encounter equifinality and conjunctural patterns in the social world?
This session introduces participants to the notion of INUS and SUIN conditions. We will think of complex combinations of sets in Boolean Algebraic terms, and briefly discuss rules for combining logical operators.
Session 4
We will apply these notions by looking at different ways of defining, structuring, and operationalizing social science concepts in qualitative and quantitative research settings.
We will discuss the multi-level nature of concepts and how many concepts (for example, definitions of policy target groups or of democracy) are set-theoretic in nature. We will briefly discuss possible pitfalls when defining and measuring concepts, such as conceptual stretching, contextual specifity and equivalence, and I will offer hands-on advice to tackle these.
Session 5
Lab session. For those on the QCA course, this includes a mandatory introduction to the R software environment.
For all other participants, this session will provide the opportunity to work on a problem-based exercise about set-theoretic concept formation in groups, and to prepare an informal presentation (c.5 minutes) for Session 6.
Session 6
We begin by discussing possible solutions to the problem-based exercise of Session 5. The different groups of group 2 will briefly present their problem and the proposed solution, and group 1 will give constructive, critical feedback on these solutions.
We wrap up by discussing where you might apply case-oriented and set-theoretic methods in empirical social research, such as process tracing, typologies, and configurational comparative methods.
You should have basic knowledge of empirical social research design. In particular, I will assume you know the meaning of:
By registering for this course, you confirm that you possess the knowledge required to follow it. The instructor will not teach these prerequisite items. If in doubt, contact the instructor before registering.
| Day | Topic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday afternoon | Session 1 (lecture room) Basic notions of case-oriented and set-theoretic methods Session 2 (lecture room) Basics of set theory and calibration |
Situating case-oriented and set-theoretic methods in the methods space Introducing the set-theoretic perspective |
| Saturday morning | Session 3 (lecture room) Set relations and causal complexity Session 4 (lecture room) Set-theoretic approaches to social science concepts |
INUS and SUIN conditions Ways of defining, structuring and measuring concepts |
| Saturday afternoon | Session 5 (lab room) Group 1: Introduction to basics of R (for participants of the main course on QCA/ interested in R) Group 2: Independent exercise: set-theoretic approach to concepts (for participants not interested in R) Session 6 (lecture room) Presentation and discussion of results of group 2 Wrap-up and outlook Q&A |
The class will be split into two groups. Group 2 (independent lab session): Group 2: presentation of problem & solution (ca. 5 min per group) Overview of areas of application of case-oriented and set-theoretic social science research: process tracing, typologies, configurational comparative methods. |
| Day | Readings |
|---|---|
| Friday afternoon |
Compulsory readings Mahoney, J., and G. Goertz (2006). A Tale of Two Cultures: Contrasting Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Political Analysis 14(3): 227-249. Ragin, C.C. (2004). Turning the tables: how case-oriented research challenges variable-oriented research. In: Brady, H.E. and Collier, D., (Eds.) Rethinking social inquiry: diverse tools, shared standards. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., pp. 123-138. Beach, D. (2016). It's all about mechanisms–what process-tracing case studies should be tracing. New Political Economy 21(5): 463-472. Mahoney, J. and R. Sweet Vanderpoel (2015). Set Diagrams and Qualitative Research. Comparative Political Studies 48(1): 65-100. Falletti, T. and J. Lynch (2009). Context and Causal Mechanisms in Political Analysis. Comparative Political Studies 42(9): 1143-1166. Schneider, C. Q., and C. Wagemann (2012). Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences. A Guide to Qualitative Comparative Analysis. New York: Cambridge University Press, pp. 23-34. Further optional readings Beach, D. (forthcoming). Multi-method research in the social sciences - A review of recent frameworks and a way forward. Governance & Opposition. Blatter, J. and T. Blume (2008). In Search of Co-variance, Causal Mechanisms or Congruence? Towards a Plural Understanding of Case Studies. Swiss Political Science Review 14(2): 315-356. Della Porta, D. and M. Keating (2008). How many approaches in the social sciences? An epistemological introduction. In Della Porta, D. and Keating, M. (eds.). Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sciences. A Pluralist Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 19-39. Goertz, G. (1994). Contexts of international politics. Cambridge University Press, pp. 1-33. Goertz, G. (2017). Multimethod research, causal mechanisms, and case studies: An integrated approach. Princeton University Press, pp. 29-57 Illari, P.M. (2011). Mechanistic Evidence: Disambiguating the Russo-Williamson Thesis. International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 25(2): 139–57. Mackie, J.L. (1965). "Causes and Conditions." American Philosophical Quarterly 2 (4):245-64. Mahoney, J. Kimball, E. and K.L. Koivu (2009). The logic of historical explanation in the social sciences. Comparative Political Studies 42(1): 114-146. Pierson, P. (2000). Not just what, but when: Timing and sequence in political processes. Studies in American Political Development 14(1): 72-92. Ragin, C. C. (2008a). „Measurement versus calibration: a set-theoretic approach“. In Box-Steffensmeier, J. M., Brady, H.E. and D. Collier. The Oxford Handbook of Political Methodology. Oxford Handbooks Online: 174-198. Russo, F. and J. Williamson (2007). Interpreting Causality in the Health Sciences. International Studies in the Philosophy of Science 21(2): 157–70. Toshkov, D. 2016. Types of research and research questions. In Research Design in Political Science. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 23-55. |
| Saturday morning |
Compulsory readings Adcock, R., and D. Collier (2001). Measurement Validity: A Shared Standard for Qualitative and Quantitative Research. The American Political Science Review 95(3):529-546. Schneider, C. Q., and C. Wagemann (2012). Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences. A Guide to Qualitative Comparative Analysis. New York: Cambridge University Press, pp. 42-90. Goertz, G. (2006). Structuring and theorizing concepts. In: Goertz, G. (Ed.) Social Science Concepts. A User’s Guide. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 27-69. Barrenechea, R., & I. Castillo. (2018). The many roads to Rome: family resemblance concepts in the social sciences. Quality & Quantity, 1-24. Further optional readings Baumgartner, M. (2009). Inferring causal complexity. Sociological Methods & Research 38(1): 71-101. Collier, D. and J. Mahoney (1993). Conceptual ‘Stretching’ Revisited: Adapting Categories in Comparative Analysis. American Political Science Review 87: 845–855. Goertz, G. (2006). Concept Intension and Extension. In: Social Science Concepts. A User’s Guide. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 69-94. Goertz, G. and J. Mahoney. (2005). Two-level theories and fuzzy-set analysis. Sociological Methods & Research 33(4): 497-538. Lazarsfeld, P.F. and A. Barton. (1965). Qualitative measurement in the social sciences: classification, typologies, and indices. In Lerner, D. and Lasswell, H.D. (Eds). The Policy Sciences. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 155-192. Mahoney, J. (2008). Toward a unified theory of causality. Comparative Political Studies 41(4-5): 412-436. Sartori, G. (1984). Guidelines for Concept Analysis. In: Social Science Concepts: A Systematic Analysis. Beverly Hills: Sage, 15-88. Sartori, G. (1970). Concept Misformation in Comparative Politics. American Political Science Review 64: 1033–1053. |
| Saturday afternoon |
For participants of the main course Introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA): Thomann, E. Oana, E. and S. Wittwer. 2018. Performing fuzzy- and crisp set QCA with R: A user-oriented beginner’s guide pp 1–26. Further optional readings Collier, D., LaPorte, J., & Seawright, J. (2012). Putting typologies to work: Concept formation, measurement, and analytic rigor. Political Research Quarterly 65(1): 217-232. Duşa, A. 2018. QCA with R. A Comprehensive Resource. New York: Springer International Publishing. Elman, C. (2005). Explanatory typologies in qualitative studies of international politics. International Organization 59(2): 293-326. Møller, J. and S.E. Skaaning. (2018). Set-theoretic methods in democratization research: an evaluation of their uses and contributions. Democratization, 1-19. |
R and Rstudio (freeware; latest versions)
None
Beach, D. and R.B. Pedersen (2016). Causal case study methods: Foundations and guidelines for comparing, matching, and tracing. University of Michigan Press.
Blatter, J. and M. Haverland (2012). Designing Case Studies: Explanatory Approaches in Small-N Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Byrne, D. and C.C. Ragin (2009). The Sage handbook of case-based methods. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Goertz, G. (1994). Contexts of international politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Goertz, G. (2006). Social Science Concepts. A User's Guide. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Goertz, G. (2017). Multimethod research, causal mechanisms, and case studies: An integrated approach. Princeton University Press.
Møller, J. and S.E. (2017). Explanatory typologies as a nested strategy of inquiry: combining cross-case and within-case analyses. Sociological Methods & Research 46(4): 1018-1048.
Ragin, C. C., & Becker, H. S. (Eds.). (1992). What is a case? Exploring the foundations of social inquiry. Cambridge University Press.
Ragin, C.C. (1987/2014). The comparative method: Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies. Univ of California Press.
Ragin, C.C. (2000). Fuzzy-set social science. University of Chicago Press.
Rohlfing, I. (2012). Case Studies and Causal Inference: an integrative framework. Palgrave Macmillan.
Toshkov, D. (2016). Research design in political science. Palgrave Macmillan.
Summer School
R Basics
Summer School
Multi-Method Research: Techniques and Applications
Case Study Research: Method and Practice
Peocess Tracing Methodology
Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Fuzzy Sets
Qualitative Data Analysis: Concepts and Approaches
Knowing and the Known: The Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences
Winter School
Introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)
Tools for the Analysis of Complex Social Systems: An Introduction
Working with Concepts in the Social Sciences
Comparative Research Designs
Introduction to Process Tracing
Process Tracing Methods