Qualitative Comparative Analysis as a Nested Approach to Inquiry

26 Pages Posted: 13 Jul 2012 Last revised: 2 Aug 2012

See all articles by Nicholas Knowlton

Nicholas Knowlton

University of Florida - Department of Political Science

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

This paper provides an innovative addition to the nested analysis approach. Nested analysis is described as being catholic with regard to the use of method including, but not limited to, qualitative comparative analysis. However, in regards to integrating qualitative comparative analysis within a nested strategy, this paper demonstrates that such a combination is problematic due to inherent differences between these two approaches. This paper elaborates the reasons for these difficulties, and furthermore shows that such a combination is possible through small-yet-necessary modifications to the original nested framework. The results from this paper not only provide a useful complement to the nested approach, but also offer a practical guide to those generally interested in pursuing qualitative comparative analysis.

Keywords: Nested Analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis, QCA, LNA, SNA, Mixed Methods

Suggested Citation

Knowlton, Nicholas, Qualitative Comparative Analysis as a Nested Approach to Inquiry (2012). APSA 2012 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2105540

Nicholas Knowlton (Contact Author)

University of Florida - Department of Political Science ( email )

PO Box 117325
Gainesville, FL 32611-7325
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
327
Abstract Views
1,553
Rank
168,900
PlumX Metrics