Definition Comparative Qualitative Analysis

This section grounds qualitative comparative analysis qca in the tradition of qualitative case based methods.

Definition comparative qualitative analysis. Qualitative comparative analysis qca is a means of analysing the causal contribution of different conditions e g. Qualitative analysis uses subjective judgment based on soft or non quantifiable data. In statistics qualitative comparative analysis qca is a data analysis technique for determining which logical conclusions a data set supports. Qca is used in comparative research and when using case study research methods.

Rather it should be seen as a middle way that combines certain features of the qualitative approach case orientation interest in complexity with those. Aspects of an intervention and the wider context to an outcome of interest. Thus although called qualitative comparative analysis qca is not a qualitative method in the sense of empirical qualitative research. Qualitative case based research in the social sciences.

Qca is a methodology that enables the analysis of multiple cases in complex situations and can help explain why change. Lately it has increasingly been applied within monitoring and evaluation m e. Qca starts with the documentation of the different configurations of conditions associated with each case of an observed outcome. Qualitative comparative analysis qca developed by charles ragin in the 1970s was originally developed as a research methodology.

Qualitative comparative analysis qca offers a new systematic way of studying configurations of cases. In this chapter qualitative comparative analysis qca is introduced as a research design which can be a fruitful tool for the comparative analysis of social movements. Qca is a case study methodology that enables researchers to compare mid sized numbers of cases in view of sufficiency and necessity set relations. Qualitative analysis deals with intangible and inexact information that can be difficult to collect and measure.

It is especially suitable for the assessment of if then hypotheses. During the last few years especially the main initial technique qualitative comparative analysis qca has been complemented by other related methods and techniques. These are then subject. The analysis begins with listing and counting all the combinations of variables observed in the data set followed by applying the rules of logical inference to determine which descriptive inferences or implications the data supports.