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Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation
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Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation

Volume: 6
February 2019 | 312 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation provides a user-friendly introduction for using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) as part of a mixed methods approach to research and evaluation. Offering practical, in-depth, and applied guidance for this unique analytic technique that is not provided in any current mixed methods textbook, the chapters of this guide skillfully build upon one another to walk researchers through the steps of QCA in logical order. To enhance and further reinforce learning, authors Leila C. Kahwati and Heather L. Kane provide supportive learning objectives, summaries, and exercises, as well as author-created datasets for use in R via the companion site.  

Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation is Volume 6 in SAGE’s Mixed Methods Research Series. To learn more about each text in the series, please visit sagepub.com/mmrs.

 
Editors' Introduction
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1: Qualitative Comparative Analysis as Part of a Mixed Methods Approach
Overview of Mixed Methods Study Designs

 
How QCA Compares to Other Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

 
Underlying Assumptions of Causal Complexity

 
QCA in Mixed Methods Studies

 
Overview of the Rest of the Book and Guiding QCA Heuristic

 
 
Chapter 2: Overview of QCA Concepts and Terminology
Configural Research Questions

 
The Concept of Sets

 
Set Operators and Symbolic Notation

 
From Concepts to Real-World Application

 
 
Chapter 3: Selecting Cases and Choosing Conditions and Outcome
Overview of Case, Condition, and Outcome Selection

 
Apply Theoretical, Empirical, and Practical Considerations for Selecting Cases

 
Apply Theoretical, Empirical, and Practical Considerations for Selecting Conditions and Outcomes

 
Identify Strategies for Optimizing the Number of Cases and Conditions

 
School Health Features and Academic Performance Example

 
 
Chapter 4: Calibrating Sets and Managing Data
Data Types and Sources

 
Calibration versus Measurement

 
Types of Calibration and Processes Used

 
Calibration Examples

 
Good Calibration Practices and Data Management Strategies

 
 
Chapter 5: Analyzing the Data—Initial Analyses
Overview of Analysis

 
Transform a Data Matrix into a Truth Table

 
Strategies for Managing Contradictory Truth Table Rows

 
Revisiting the Data to Manage Contradictory Truth Table Rows

 
Inspect the Truth Table for Potential Issues

 
Conduct an Analysis of Necessary Conditions and Combinations of Conditions

 
Conduct Analysis of Sufficient Conditions and Combinations of Conditions

 
 
Chapter 6: Analyzing the Data—Model Analytics
Overview of Model Analytics

 
Interpret Solution Parameters of Fit

 
Evaluating Assumptions

 
Evaluating Assumptions: An Applied Example

 
Model Ambiguity

 
Evaluating Model Ambiguity: An Applied Example

 
Assessing Robustness

 
Evaluating Robustness: An Applied Example

 
Iterative Respecification

 
 
Chapter 7: Interpreting Results: Within- and Cross-Case Analysis
Overview of Interpretation

 
Considerations for Conducting Within- and Cross-Case Analysis

 
Study Aims and Case Selection for Within- and Cross-case Analysis

 
Example: School health and Wellness Policies and Academic Performance

 
 
Chapter 8: Advanced Topics in QCA
Multi-value QCA

 
Incorporating Time in QCA

 
Critiques of QCA

 
 
Chapter 9: Preparing Proposals, Reports, Manuscripts, and Presentations
Overview

 
Reporting QCA Methods

 
Summarizing Findings and Limitations

 
Improving Accessibility to Readers

 
Responding to Peer Review Critiques

 
 
Chapter 10: Examples of Mixed Methods Approaches using QCA
QCA Within a Mixed Methods Approach

 
Example of Convergent Design: Evaluation of the Jobs to Careers Program

 
Example of Sequential Design: A Configurational Approach to Understanding Project Delays

 
 
APPENDIX: Recommended QCA Resources
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

Supplements

Student Study Site

Datasets and accompanying exercises are available for download.

“This book is written in a way that is easy to follow and should expand the range of fields in which QCA is used. Also, there are quite a few principles and practice tips articulated, especially in later chapters, which are applicable more broadly across social sciences and evaluation work. Novice researchers will find those suggestions especially helpful, even if QCA does not become a major tool in their practice.”

Elizabeth H. McEneaney
University of Massachusetts Amherst

“The practical, how-to, nature of the text is very appealing to me as an instructor. I like the examples and appreciate the numerous figures used to illustrate processes and arguments for visual learners.”

James R. Martin
Creighton University

“The text introduces an important, specific approach to research.”

Tamar Ginossar
University of New Mexico

“I think the key strengths of this text are its organization and breadth. From an organization perspective, the wealth of resources and focus is essential for guiding the reader/learner toward practical keywords, i.e. language, and skills necessary to implement.”

Raymond Blanton
University of the Incarnate Word

This is a very good resource for students and teaching

Mrs Josephine D Morris
Interdiscipline, Winchester University
December 9, 2020
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