Set-Theoretic Methods for the Social Sciences: A Guide to Qualitative Comparative AnalysisQualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and other set-theoretic methods distinguish themselves from other approaches to the study of social phenomena by using sets and the search for set relations. In virtually all social science fields, statements about social phenomena can be framed in terms of set relations, and using set-theoretic methods to investigate these statements is therefore highly valuable. This book guides readers through the basic principles of set theory and then on to the applied practices of QCA. It provides a thorough understanding of basic and advanced issues in set-theoretic methods together with tricks of the trade, software handling and exercises. Most arguments are introduced using examples from existing research. The use of QCA is increasing rapidly and the application of set-theory is both fruitful and still widely misunderstood in current empirical comparative social research. This book provides the comprehensive guide to these methods for researchers across the social sciences. |
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Qualitative Comparative Analysis as a settheoretic | 8 |
Plan of the book | 16 |
Sets set membership and calibration | 23 |
Notions and operations in set theory | 42 |
Set relations | 56 |
Truth tables | 91 |
Neat formal logic meets noisy social science data | 117 |
Potential pitfalls and suggestions for solutions | 195 |
Potential pitfalls in the analysis of necessity and sufficiency | 220 |
Variants of QCA as a technique meet QCA as an approach | 251 |
Data analysis technique meets settheoretic approach | 275 |
Looking back looking ahead | 313 |
Glossary | 322 |
Bibliography | 336 |
| 346 | |
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Common terms and phrases
A~BC analysis of necessity analysis of sufficiency analytic At-a-glance Boolean calibration causal complexity Chapter concept conjunction conjunctural conservative solution consistency and coverage consistency threshold consistency value crisp sets csQCA data matrix denotes deviant directional expectations display easy counterfactuals empirical evidence equifinality example fsQCA fuzzy sets fuzzy-set membership scores Goertz impossible remainders inconsistent intersection limited diversity logical minimization logical remainders logically redundant Mahoney multi-value mvQCA necessary conditions notion parameters of fit parsimonious solution term present prime implicants qualitative anchor qualitatively different Ragin raw consistency relevant Rihoux sequences set membership set of countries set relations set theory set-membership scores set-theoretic methods simplifying assumptions simply single conditions social science solution formula statement of necessity statement of sufficiency strategy substantive sufficient condition sufficient paths SUIN superset theoretical tions true logical Truth Table Algorithm truth table rows two-by-two table unique coverage untenable assumptions variables Venn diagram within-case XY plot