The chapter discusses the distinctive features of comparative social science, especially its case-oriented tradition, that make it an ideal setting for examining basic methodological issues. Prominent among these features are its qualitative orientation and its related interest in (and appreciation of) complexity, its emphasis on interpretive questions and specific historical outcomes and processes, its limited data base (many questions are relevant to only a small number of countries or regions), and its special meta-theoretical treatment of aggregate units such as nation-states.
Chapter 2: Heterogeneity and Causal Complexity
The chapter addresses the problem of complexity in qualitative research through a discussion of multiple conjunctural causation and the special methodological problems this type of causation presents. When several different combinations of conditions produce the same outcome (a common finding in comparative studies), it is very difficult to unravel the different patterns across a range of cases. Analysis is further complicated by the limited diversity of naturally occurring social phenomena (In a laboratory it is possible to manufacture all possible combinations of causes and thereby disentangle the decisive causal conjunctures). It suggests that that there are two dominate ways of simplifying complexity - by examining similarities and differences among limited number of cases (the case-oriented strategy) and by looking at relations between variables (the variable-oriented strategy).
Chapter 3: Case Oriented Comparative Methods
Chapter 3 discusses the first major strategy to simplify complexity: the case-oriented strategy. A common goal in this type of analysis is to interpret a common historical outcome or process across a limited range of cases, usually only a handful. Cases are examined as wholes, which means that the causal significance of an event or structure depends on the context (that is, on other features of the case or "intervening factors/variables"). This strategy highlights complexity, diversity, and uniqueness, and it provides a powerful basis for interpreting cases historically. However, it is very difficult to use this approach to examine more than a few cases at a time. Faced with a large number of cases, the investigator is forced to make many paired comparisons - too many to grasp all at once - and the analysis may disintegrate into descriptive statements lacking any generality. Thus, while the case-oriented approach avoids many of the simplifying assumptions of the variable-oriented approach, it cannot be used to address similarities and differences among many cases.
Chapter 4: The Variable-Oriented Approach
The second strategy for simplifying complexity is the variable oriented approach. In this approach cases are disaggregated into variables and disruptions. Examination of patterns of covariation among variables is used as a basis for making general statements about relations between aspects of cases considered collectively as populations of comparable observations. These general statements typically are linked to abstract theoretical ideas about generic properties of macro social units (societies, economy, etc.) Because this strategy starts with simplifying assumptions, it is a powerful data reducer. Thus, it is an ideal instrument for producing broad statements pertaining to relatively large bodies of data encompassing diverse cases. However, the simplifying assumptions that make this approach possible often violate common sense notions of causation and sometimes pose serious obstacles to making interpretive statements about specific cases or even about categories of cases.
Chapter 5: Combined Versus Synthetic Comparative Strategies
Chapter 5 offers analysis of three studies that combine the variable and the case oriented strategies. The common feature of these three is that they are not easily conform to the quantitative/qualitative split in comparative social science.
It is suggested that some combination of the variable and the case-oriented approach is desirable.
Chapter 6: A Boolean Approach to Qualitative Comparison
Chapter 6 presents a synthesis of the variable and the case strategies by presenting the Boolean approach. It first sets to explain the basic features of Boolean algebra (the Boolean number system, Boolean addition and multiplication) and then introduces rudimentary principles of Boolean algebra used to logically minimize (reduce the complexity of) truth tables.
Chapter 7: Extension of Boolean Methods of Qualitative Comparison
Chapter 7 builds on chapter 6 to introduce advanced methods of Boolean analysis. Two in particular are emphasized. The first addresses the limited diversity of social phenomena (that is, the fact that macro social phenomena cannot be manipulated experimentally). With Boolean techniques it is possible to construct a model of the diversity that exists among comparable outcomes and then to study the causes of these outcomes within the context of the "available" diversity. In other words, an integral part of the research process itself can involve direct attention to, and consideration of, the limitations of naturally occurring social phenomena.
A second procedure concerns the use of set theory to contrast empirical configurations with theoretically constructed models. Essentially , this method makes it both to evaluate theories and to use them as a basis for historical interpretation. The major objective here is to show that Boolean methods are not mechanical techniques but can be integrated into the dialogue of ideas and evidence in social research.
Chapter 8: Applications of Boolean Methods of Qualitative Comparison
This chapter offers a range of examples to demonstrate the general utility of Boolean techniques of qualitative comparison.
Chapter 9: The Dialogue of Ideas and Evidence in Social Research
Chapter 9 concludes the book by summarizing the major arguments and then emphasizing the strengths of Boolean techniques of qualitative comparison. It also discusses the impact of the application of Boolean techniques on the entire research process.
University of Haifa's Library