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Complex Causal Relations and Case Study Methods: The Example of Path Dependence

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  • Bennett, Andrew
  • Elman, Colin

Abstract

This article discusses the application of qualitative methods in analyzing causal complexity. In particular, the essay reviews how process tracing and systematic case comparisons can address path-dependent explanations. The article unpacks the concept of path dependence and its component elements of causal possibility, contingency, closure of alternatives, and constraints to the current path. The article then reviews four strengths that case studies bring to the study of path dependence: offering a detailed and holistic analysis of sequences in historical cases, being suitable for the study of rare events, facilitating the search for omitted variables that might lie behind contingent events, and allowing for the study of interaction effects within one or a few cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Bennett, Andrew & Elman, Colin, 2006. "Complex Causal Relations and Case Study Methods: The Example of Path Dependence," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 14(3), pages 250-267, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:polals:v:14:y:2006:i:03:p:250-267_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Jörg Sydow & Frank Lerch & Udo Staber, 2010. "Planning for Path Dependence? The Case of a Network in the Berlin‐Brandenburg Optics Cluster," Economic Geography, Clark University, vol. 86(2), pages 173-195, April.
    2. Robert Ackrill & Adrian Kay, 2009. "Historical Learning in the Design of WTO Rules: The EC Sugar Case," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(5), pages 754-771, May.
    3. Leonhard Dobusch & Elke Schüßler, 2013. "Theorizing path dependence: a review of positive feedback mechanisms in technology markets, regional clusters, and organizations," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 22(3), pages 617-647, June.
    4. Dorota Leszczyńska, 2014. "L’impact de l’énergie relationnelle sur la trajectoire historique. Bilan 2007- 2013 des études d’un cluster," Working Papers 2014-277, Department of Research, Ipag Business School.
    5. Sebastian Sirén, 2011. "Towards universalism? The obstructed process of healthcare reform in bolivia," Development Research Working Paper Series 12/2011, Institute for Advanced Development Studies.
    6. Thomas Rixen & Lora Anne Viola, 2015. "Putting path dependence in its place: toward a Taxonomy of institutional change," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 27(2), pages 301-323, April.
    7. Cristina Bicchieri, 2002. "Covenants without Swords," Rationality and Society, , vol. 14(2), pages 192-228, May.
    8. Preikschas, Michael W. & Cabanelas, Pablo & Rüdiger, Klaus & Lampón, Jesús F., 2014. "Value Co-creation, Dynamic Capabilities and Customer Retention in Industrial Markets," MPRA Paper 65391, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Skarbek, David, 2016. "Covenants without the Sword? Comparing Prison Self-Governance Globally," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 110(4), pages 845-862, November.
    10. Udo Staber, 2010. "A Social-Evolutionary Perspective on Regional Clusters," Chapters, in: Ron Boschma & Ron Martin (ed.), The Handbook of Evolutionary Economic Geography, chapter 10, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    11. Jonas Meckling, 2019. "Governing renewables: Policy feedback in a global energy transition," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 37(2), pages 317-338, March.
    12. Geels, Frank W., 2022. "Causality and explanation in socio-technical transitions research: Mobilising epistemological insights from the wider social sciences," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(6).
    13. Bloom, Gerald, 2011. "Building institutions for an effective health system: Lessons from China's experience with rural health reform," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(8), pages 1302-1309, April.
    14. Mellon, Vicky & Bramwell, Bill, 2018. "The temporal evolution of tourism institutions," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 42-52.
    15. André Sorensen & Anna-Katharina Brenner, 2021. "Cities, Urban Property Systems, and Sustainability Transitions: Contested Processes of Institutional Change and the Regulation of Urban Property Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, July.
    16. Miles Kellerman, 2019. "The proliferation of multilateral development banks," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 107-145, March.
    17. Dorota Leszczyńska, 2014. "Historical Trajectory and Knowledge Embeddedness: A Case Study in the French Perfume Cluster," Working Papers 2014-268, Department of Research, Ipag Business School.
    18. Sarr, Sait & Hayes, Bunny & DeCaro, Daniel A., 2021. "Applying Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework, and design principles for co-production to pollution management in Louisville's Rubbertown, Kentucky," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    19. Dooms, Michael & Verbeke, Alain & Haezendonck, Elvira, 2013. "Stakeholder management and path dependence in large-scale transport infrastructure development: the port of Antwerp case (1960–2010)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 14-25.
    20. Gartzou-Katsouyanni, Kira, 2023. "Obstacles to local cooperation in fragmented, left-behind economies: an integrated framework," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120795, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    21. Rana, Pushpendra & Miller, Daniel C., 2021. "Predicting the long-term social and ecological impacts of tree-planting programs: Evidence from northern India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    22. Kyriakos Moumoutzis & Sotirios Zartaloudis, 2016. "Europeanization Mechanisms and Process Tracing: A Template for Empirical Research," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 337-352, March.
    23. Chang, Hyun Joon & Kim, In Sue & Kim, Dong Wook & Yang, Taeyong, 2013. "Business potential of sustainable energy in Korea: Hybrid method of various feasibility studies from path dependence and path evolution perspective," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 464-475.

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