Test on Introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Question 1: Researchers are presented with four concrete strategies to narrow down the number of conditions to be considered when an abundance of theories appears relevant to an empirical question.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that 'How should a researcher choose a smaller set of conditions if too many theories seem relevant? We discuss four concrete strategies.' These strategies include the Popperian falsificatory manner, testing conjunctural hypotheses, adopting a 'perspectives' approach, and using a 'comprehensive' strategy relying on all existing theories.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following statements are true regarding the initial stages of a comparative investigation concerning the outcome and area of homogeneity?

A. The 'outcome' or problem of interest must be specified early on, as it is crucial for selecting cases.

B. An area of 'homogeneity' defines boundaries, ensuring cases are sufficiently comparable along specified dimensions.

C. The primary consideration when delimiting cases for a small- or intermediate-N study is to maximize heterogeneity across all potential cases.

D. Cases must share enough background characteristics, which can be seen as 'constants' in the analysis.

Explanation: The study materials state that the outcome must be specified early as it is indispensable for case selection. An area of homogeneity establishes boundaries to ensure cases are comparable. It also notes that cases must share enough background characteristics, acting as constants. While maximum heterogeneity within the selected universe is a second consideration, the primary consideration for delimiting cases is the outcome, not maximizing heterogeneity across all potential cases at the outset.

Question 3: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) techniques are exclusively applied at the macro level of analysis and are limited to a small number of cases.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: While QCA was initially conceived as a 'macro-comparative' and 'small-N' approach, the text states that its positioning needs to be nuanced. It mentions applications at 'meso' and 'micro' levels, and that QCA techniques have been fruitfully applied in 'large-N' research designs as well.

Question 4: Which of the following assumptions, common in mainstream statistical approaches, is NOT taken onboard by Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)?

A. Permanent causality

B. Uniformity of causal effects

C. Allowance for causal complexity

D. Unit homogeneity

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state that QCA does not take onboard assumptions such as permanent causality, uniformity of causal effects, and unit homogeneity, which are central to mainstream statistical approaches. Conversely, QCA strives to achieve a 'short (parsimonious) explanation... while still providing appropriate allowance for causal complexity,' meaning it does take onboard allowance for causal complexity, not reject it as an assumption.

Question 5: QCA assumes that causal effects are symmetrical.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: QCA assumes causal asymmetry, meaning that the presence of an outcome and its absence may require different explanations, and causality is not assumed to be symmetrical.