What is qualitative comparative analysis?Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a research methodology used in analyzing multiple cases in complex situations. This methodology can help in explaining why change occurs in some cases and why it doesn't happen in others. It is primarily a quantitative analysis method used to analyze qualities, though qualitative data can be used to derive those qualities. QCA should not be confused with qualitative analysis methods or constant comparison method which are forms of qualitative analysis Show
QCA was developed in 1987s by Charles Ragin, a social scientist. Qualitative comparative analysis is a set-based theory that seeks to explain the relationship between causal conditions and outcomes through the concept of sets and their relations. QCA models causal conditions as superset or subset relationships between an outcome and explanatory factors. Using this approach, a researcher can determine whether a causal condition is neither sufficient nor necessary, sufficient but not necessary, necessary but not sufficient or sufficient to produce an outcome. Qualitative comparative analysis approach draws strength from both quantitative and qualitative research methods. It combines the mathematical approaches used in quantitative research with the inductive and comparative case-based techniques employed in qualitative research. Assumptions of qualitative comparative analysisQCA is based on two main assumptions. Firstly, it assumes that one factor is rarely sufficient to produce a change. Instead, change is often caused by different combinations of factors. Secondly, Qualitative comparative analysis also recognizes that different combinations of factors can produce the same result. When do researchers use QCA?QCA is handy when cases are too small to apply statistical analysis techniques like linear regression and too large for qualitative case-study methodology. It is usually employed for analyzing an intermediate number of cases, usually between 10 and 50. In addition, researchers use QCA when they predict that the causal structure of an outcome would likely be equifinal, conjunctural, and complex. Equifinal implies that there are different ways to achieve an outcome. Conjunctural means that outcome can only be obtained through a combination of conditions. Lastly, researchers use qualitative comparative analysis when they are interested in knowing whether the causal conditions are sufficient, necessary, or both for predicting an outcome How to use qualitative comparative analysisGenerally, there are six steps involved in qualitative comparative analysis. Usually, the steps are iterative, so you may find yourself moving back and forth when using QCA. Below is the summary of how to do QCA:
Sometimes, it may be necessary to collect more data on the cases, run another dataset analysis using the computer software or even go back to examine if the theories you adopted in step one are still valid. Your study is ready for publishing when you arrive at a satisfactory solution, i.e., an explanation for the outcome under study. Strengths of qualitative comparative analysisQCA takes an in-depth look at each case and enables the researcher to draw patterns across different cases. It helps in understanding and explaining why change happens across an intermediary number of cases. Additionally, QCA can be applied in situations where the cases are too few to use traditional statistical analysis. Unlike qualitative approaches, which often do not aim to replicate findings, QCA makes it possible for others to test and replicate your findings. Weaknesses of qualitative comparative analysisThe first weakness of QCA is that a minimum number of cases is required before you can use it. Secondly, missing information in one factor in any of the cases will render the affected case unusable. Critics have argued that this may lead to situations in which the researcher ignores an essential factor. Lastly, QCA is an iterative process, so it is hard to predict how much time is needed for the study. Is a comparative study quantitative or qualitative?Quantitative analysis is much more frequently pursued than qualitative, and this is seen by the majority of comparative studies which use quantitative data. The general method of comparing things is the same for comparative research as it is in our everyday practice of comparison.
Can comparative studies be qualitative?Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) offers a new, systematic way of studying configurations of cases. QCA is used in comparative research and when using case-study research methods. The QCA analysts interprets the data qualitatively whilst also looking at causality between the variables.
What type of study is a comparative study?Comparative studies are investigations to analyze and evaluate, with quantitative and qualitative methods, a phenomenon and/or facts among different areas, subjects, and/or objects to detect similarities and/or differences.
Is a comparison study quantitative?There are certainly methods far more common than others is comparative studies. Qualitative analysis is much more frequently pursued than quantitative, and this is seen in the majority of comparative studies which use quantitative data.
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