Qualitative vs Quantitative Methodologies

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Questions and Answers

What role does qualitative data collection play in hypothesis formulation?

It only serves to confirm existing hypotheses.

It helps in developing novel hypotheses through direct engagement. (correct)

It has little to no impact on hypothesis formulation.

It focuses solely on quantitative analysis.

Which of the following is an example of a claim made by a qualitative researcher?

Hypothesis testing can be effectively done using only quantitative data.

Oligarchies only emerge in economic socialist systems.

Revolutions are directly orchestrated by intellectual elites.

Democracies require a bourgeoisie class to function effectively. (correct)

What is one common criticism of quantitative methodology in hypothesis formulation?

It relies too heavily on qualitative data.

It can lack procedures for developing hypotheses. (correct)

It encourages subjective interpretations of data.

It tends to focus on untestable theories.

What significant contribution did Scott's research provide in the field of hypothesis formulation?

It generated a new theory based on detailed field observations. Signup and view all the answers

Which methodology is specifically mentioned as being useful for exploratory research?

Qualitative methodology. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the procedural developments that qualitative methodology has achieved?

Codifying the procedures for generating new hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the approach of developing theoretical innovations through detailed, case-intensive knowledge?

Extracting new ideas at close range. Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research method is highlighted for contributing to hypothesis development?

Archival research. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding selection bias in qualitative research?

It misapplies concepts from regression analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Why do qualitative researchers draw samples from smaller populations?

To achieve causal and conceptual homogeneity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential source of instability in causal inference according to qualitative research?

Measurement of key variables across diverse contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge is posed by the heterogeneity of cases in qualitative studies?

It complicates causal relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of qualitative research, what do 'necessary causes' refer to?

Factors that must be present for an outcome to occur. Signup and view all the answers

How do qualitative researchers typically address omitted variable bias?

By carefully selecting homogenous populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about qualitative research compared to regression analysis?

Variability in the dependent variable is critical. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the methodological challenge qualitative researchers face?

Establishing a clear scope to avoid omitted variable bias. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as the distinctive source of leverage for causal inference in qualitative research?

Within-case analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which method is utilized to eliminate potential necessary causes?

Method of agreement Signup and view all the answers

What methodology has been extended and superseded by Boolean algebra and fuzzy-set logic?

Methods of agreement and difference Signup and view all the answers

Why are the methods of agreement and difference considered controversial?

They are deterministic and eliminate explanations easily. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption do qualitative researchers make regarding small-N comparisons linking to large-N comparisons?

They pursue intuitive regression. Signup and view all the answers

Critics of cross-case methods are often unaware of which methodology?

Necessary and sufficient causation Signup and view all the answers

The methodology of necessary and sufficient conditions is most closely associated with which of the following?

Boolean algebra Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of qualitative research techniques?

Hypothesis testing Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) over Millian methods?

QCA treats multiple combinations of variables as causes. Signup and view all the answers

In the study by Hicks et al. (1995), which combination is NOT one of the identified routes to welfare state consolidation?

Socialist route Signup and view all the answers

Which variables were examined in the analysis of welfare state consolidation?

Liberal government, Catholic government, patriarchal state, unitary democracy, working-class mobilization Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'equifinality' refer to in the context of QCA?

Multiple combinations of causes leading to the same outcome. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the analysis approach used by Hicks et al. (1995) in their research?

Boolean analysis to identify sufficient causal combinations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is identified as a necessary cause for a consolidated welfare state?

Unitary democracy Signup and view all the answers

In Boolean analysis, what do capitalized variables represent?

Presence of factors in the analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to generalize about the average effects of variables in the analysis conducted by Hicks et al.?

The existence of multiple causal combinations complicates results. Signup and view all the answers

What does the work of Ragin, C.C. focus on in social science research?

Fuzzy-set social science and comparative methods Signup and view all the answers

Which author is associated with the concept of 'weapons of the weak'?

James C. Scott Signup and view all the answers

Which publication focuses on the relationship between capitalist development and democracy?

Capitalist Development and Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is Rueschemeyer arguing in favor of regarding the use of cases in theoretical gains?

The comparative historical analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which author discussed 'concept misformation' in comparative politics?

G. Sartori Signup and view all the answers

What subject is primarily addressed in Przeworski and Teune's work?

The logic of comparative social inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What theme does Skocpol explore in 'States and Social Revolutions'?

The dynamics of state and societal transformations Signup and view all the answers

What type of analysis is emphasized by Ragin and his co-authors in their methodology?

Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Methodology

Quantitative methodology lacks explicit procedures for hypothesis formulation, though it allows for some exploratory research through specification searches.
Qualitative methodology provides tools for framing research questions and formulating testable hypotheses.

Notable Qualitative Hypotheses

Qualitative researchers have produced influential hypotheses in comparative politics.
Examples include Michels’s "iron law" of oligarchy, Moore’s assertion connecting bourgeoisie and democracy, and Skocpol’s view that revolutions occur with structural conditions rather than deliberate action.
Scott's research on peasant resistance challenges conventional views and demonstrates how qualitative data collection can lead to new theoretical frameworks.

Case Studies in Qualitative Research

Scott observed a Malaysian village for two years, facilitating the development of his critique of the Gramscian hypothesis.
Intensive case knowledge enables researchers to uncover intricate social dynamics, such as peasants' recognition of their interests.
This approach exemplifies "extracting new ideas at close range" as posited by Collier.

Establishing Causal and Conceptual Homogeneity

Qualitative researchers often select smaller populations of cases with significant similarities to ensure meaningful comparisons.
A heterogeneous sample can introduce instability in causal inference, complicating analysis.
Effects of unknown variables can lead to inaccurate conclusions, emphasizing the importance of clear variable measurement.

Addressing Selection Bias

Advocates argue that concerns about selection bias may misapply regression ideas to qualitative studies.
Within-case analysis is identified as a powerful tool for causal inference, contrasting with traditional cross-case analysis.

Methodological Techniques

Mill’s method of concomitant variation has been revisited and refined for comparative studies.
Techniques like necessary and sufficient conditions, Boolean algebra, and fuzzy-set logic expand traditional methods, allowing for complex causal analysis across various cases.
Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) enables the examination of combinations of variables to identify what leads to outcomes without constraining to single causative factors.

Illustrative Case: Welfare State Development

Hicks et al. studied welfare state consolidation across 15 developed countries, discovering three sufficient paths: Bismarckian, liberal-labor, and Catholic paternalistic routes.
Analysis involved examining combinations of factors that contribute to successful welfare state outcomes, highlighting the significance of unitary democracy and working-class mobilization as necessary causes.

Criticism of Cross-case Methods

Critics often underestimate the intricacies of necessary and sufficient causation within qualitative frameworks.
Limitations of Millian methods cannot be uniformly applied to newer methodologies like QCA, which accommodates multiple causal pathways.
Equifinality emphasizes that multiple causal configurations can lead to the same outcome, challenging the notion of a singular cause.

Conclusion

A robust understanding of qualitative methodologies enhances the ability to address complex social phenomena and generates innovative hypotheses.
Continued exploration of causal relationships through qualitative research remains vital for advancing knowledge in comparative politics and social inquiry.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, particularly in terms of hypothesis formulation. It highlights the tools and procedures used in each methodology for developing testable theories and research questions. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective research design.