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.
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