New Methods for Comparative Research?

Claude Rubinson; Charles C. Ragin

doi:10.1016/S0195-6310(06)24013-4

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Comparative Social Research

ISSN: 0195-6310
Series editor(s): Dr Fredrik Engelstad

Subject Area: Sociology and Public Policy

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New Methods for Comparative Research?

Document Information:
Title:	New Methods for Comparative Research?
Author(s):	Claude Rubinson, Charles C. Ragin
Volume:	24 Editor(s): Lars Mjøset, Tommy H. Clausen ISBN: 978-0-7623-1313-6 eISBN: 978-1-84950-414-0
Citation:	Claude Rubinson, Charles C. Ragin (2007), New Methods for Comparative Research?, in Lars Mjøset, Tommy H. Clausen (ed.) Capitalisms Compared (Comparative Social Research, Volume 24), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.373-389
DOI:	10.1016/S0195-6310(06)24013-4 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Extract:	One of the central themes of Shalev's critique of multiple regression is its incongruence with case-oriented analysis. Case-oriented approaches might be preferred for several reasons, in addition to the simple fact that comparativists tend to study small Ns. For example, case-oriented methods are better suited for the types of questions that comparative researchers typically ask. Unlike multiple regression, case-oriented techniques such as QCA and fuzzy-set analysis are specifically designed to address questions about necessary or sufficient conditions that often motivate comparative research. Furthermore, case-oriented techniques can be used to address causal complexity. Finally, case-oriented methods such as QCA, fuzzy-set analysis, and those recommended by Shalev are more closely aligned with the epistemological orientations held by many comparative researchers. This orientation identifies the case – rather than the variable – as the fundamental unit of interest to social researchers.