Why Causal Mechanisms and Process Tracing Should Alter Case Selection Guidance
Ryan Saylor
Advice on case selection in small- N research emphasizes controlling for confounding variables to facilitate inferential tests of a cross-case pattern. Yet many researchers embrace the “mechanismic worldview” and aim construct explanations. Explanations differ from inferences because one explains an outcome at individual level. Hence, explanatory studies are not simultaneously tests, rendering prevailing guidance ill fitting. This article provides alternative outlook selection. It conceives as things that engage analytical ideal type. Researchers can case-specific explanations by coupling general claims type with contextual analysis. In terms selection, if has features make it relatable type, viably study relation regardless case’s other characteristics. criterion diverges sharply conventional wisdom embolden unconventional comparisons.
Sociological Methods & Research