Quantitative + Qualitative approaches

Why

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