Quantitative + Qualitative approaches

Why

routes of simplification

(Social world is very complex with many instances and variables)

Quantitative methods

* many instances, few variables
* large N methods

Qualitative methods

few instances, many variables

Aim of quantitative

perform causal interference by means of cross case analysis

Approach - Quantitative

collect (quasi) experimental numerical data on few variables from many instances

Form - Quantitative

experimental + quasi experimental studies

Aim of qualitative

reconstruct causal pathways in individual cases

Approach - qualitative

in depth study of many variables in few instances

form - qualitative

case study method

Qualitative methods pros

* well suited for hypothesis generation
* in depth knowledge of a few cases allows us to reconstruct causal pathways
* basis for tentative(unconfirmed) generalization
* heuristic value in exploratory research

Qualitative methods cons

* less suited to test hypothesis
* single cases is poor basis for judging validity of a general hypothesis
* vulnerable to criticism of cherry picking
* falsification scarcely applicable
* danger of selection bias
* difficult to generalize

Quantitative methods pros

* better suited for hypothesis testing
* good Hypothesis will predict a certain correlation in data
* prediction effectively studied by quasi experimental study

Quantitative methods cons

* not well suited for hypothesis generation
* poor basis for reconstructing causal pathways
* unable to say which causes produced observed effect or how

causal interference

the process where causes are inferred from data

direction of causal interference : Quantitative

forward causal interference

\-reasoning from causes to effects

direction of causal interference : Quantitative

reverse causal interference

\-reasoning from effects to causes

Case- Study Method

* intensive study of a single case

Purpose: shed light on a larger class of cases

* used in qualitative research
* more about hypothesis generation and explorative research
* not abut hypothesis testing or confirmation
* \

Case - Study Method procedure

* note an outcome in case under exam
* try to ascertain what causal factor acting was responsible for outcome

Single Unit Study

(part of case study method)

* formulate multiple Hypothesis
* unlikely to adopt or reject a Hypothesis on basis
* history, sociology, political science etc.

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Internal Validity

* degree to which a study’s findings are warranted for the case studied External Validity
* degree to which a study’s conclusions are generalizable
* qualitative = high internal validity, low external

Trade off between forms of validity

measures taken to enhance internal validity and vice versa

complications

* methodology more complex
* emphasis productiveness of integrating both methods