Process Tracing and Causal Mechanisms

Focuses on how mechanisms operate under specific conditions, avoiding overgeneralizations.

Combines various research methods and data types, adapting to different situations.

Provides a structured approach to understanding complex social phenomena by examining the causal links between events.

The research findings may not be generalizable to other contexts due to the influence of specific conditions.

Uncertainty about the findings can be transparently acknowledged, but this may limit definitive conclusions.

Process tracing requires significant time, resources, and careful planning.

In positivist process tracing, a mechanism is a step-by-step process that links a cause (C) to an outcome (O).

Positivist process tracing seeks to identify patterns and generalizable laws that can predict outcomes under specific conditions.

A methodological approach to evaluating causal explanations in qualitative research by tracing the process of events and identifying key actors, decisions, and actions that led to a particular outcome.

The practice of considering a wide range of alternative explanations for a phenomenon during process tracing, rather than focusing solely on the most likely or favored explanation.

In process tracing, searching for evidence that is necessary to support an explanation but not sufficient to prove it. This test helps to eliminate unlikely explanations.

In process tracing, searching for evidence that is sufficient to prove an explanation, even if it's not strictly necessary. This test helps to identify the most likely explanation.

In process tracing, searching for evidence that simultaneously supports one explanation while ruling out others. This test helps to definitively identify the most likely explanation.

In process tracing, searching for weak evidence that suggests the plausibility of an explanation but doesn't provide definitive proof.

Acknowledging and addressing potential biases in primary sources during process tracing, including motivations, contexts, and framing of information.

Recognizing that the availability of evidence can influence research findings. This bias can cause researchers to overlook or underestimate the importance of missing information.

A research method that combines direct observation and participation in a social setting, allowing researchers to collect data and gain deeper understanding of the context.

PO is a technique for gathering information, not a specific philosophical approach. It can be used in both positivist and interpretivist research.

PO is often used in anthropology and social sciences, helping researchers understand cultural practices and social structures from within.

Ethnography focuses on producing richly detailed descriptions of a culture, while PO, though often utilized in ethnography, is a separate data collection method.

A researcher who actively participates in the social setting they're studying, actively engaging with individuals, interacting with the environment, and observing behaviors in real time.

Researchers must navigate ethical complexities like confidentiality, informed consent, and potential biases caused by researcher involvement in observed activities.

The researcher's presence and participation can influence the environment, potentially altering observed behaviors. This requires careful consideration and mitigation strategies.

PO offers several advantages: providing in-depth understanding, generating rich data, capturing nuanced social interactions, and offering insights into insider perspectives.

No visible recording devices or notebooks, reliant on memory and concealed note-taking. Used in initial stages of PO for building rapport, uncovering new topics, and working with sensitive populations.

Minimal control over conversation flow, guided by a loose plan. Useful for early research, sensitive subjects, and when structured interviews are impractical.

Guided by an interview schedule with some flexibility for order and probing. Ideal for in-depth interviews and gathering detailed information.

Highly standardized with all participants responding to identical stimuli. Used for controlled research, questionnaires, and tasks requiring consistent data.

The art of drawing out detailed and nuanced responses. It involves various techniques like silence, clarifying questions, and prompts for elaboration.

Effective for encouraging deeper responses. Allowing silence can create space for interviewees to reflect and provide more thoughtful answers.

Essential for building trust and rapport. Transparency about research intentions and informed consent for recording are crucial.

Clearly articulate the purpose of the interview, why the interviewee is selected, and the desired insights. Be open to interruptions and new relevant information.

A method of selecting participants in a study to represent a specific group or groups, rather than randomly.

A framework that helps organize data by defining important categories and subcategories, ensuring clarity and consistency in analysis.

Checking if the categories in the coding frame actually capture the key concepts and if they are used consistently.

The smallest unit of information analyzed in qualitative research, like a sentence, paragraph, or a specific theme.

The process of applying the coding frame to the entire set of data to systematically categorize information.

Presenting the findings with illustrative examples and possibly some quantitative summaries (e.g., frequency counts).

Examining how a cause leads to an outcome by identifying and analyzing the specific steps or processes involved.

A research hypothesis that explores whether belonging to a minority group influences empathy towards other oppressed groups.

Discourse shapes society by defining what's considered 'normal' or 'common sense.' It sets limits on what's possible and what's acceptable.

Powerful groups, like governments or corporations, use discourse to influence public opinion and create norms that benefit them. This can lead to inequality.

Discourses are constantly changing and evolving due to political debates and conflicts. There's no fixed truth; it's about who wins the argument.

This question focuses on why something happened, looking for the cause-and-effect relationship.

This question delves into how something became possible by understanding the underlying ideas and assumptions.

This approach emphasizes understanding the ideas and actions of individuals and groups, seeing them as active players in shaping the world.

This approach focuses on the structures and systems that shape our understanding of the world, like power relationships and social norms.

It focuses on how language and communication are used to construct social realities and power structures. It examines how people position themselves and others through their use of language.