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Can We Generalize from Case Studies?

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  • Paul F. Steinberg

Abstract

This article considers the role of generalization in comparative case studies, using as exemplars the contributions to this special issue on climate change politics. As a research practice, generalization is a logical argument for extending one’s claims beyond the data, positing a connection between events that were studied and those that were not. No methodological tradition is exempt from the requirement to demonstrate a compelling logic of generalization. The article presents a taxonomy of the logics of generalization underlying diverse research methodologies, which often go unstated and unexamined. I introduce the concept of resonance groups, which provide a causeway for cross-system generalization from single case studies. Overall the results suggest that in the comparative study of complex political systems, case study research is, ceteris paribus, on par with large-N research with respect to generalizability.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul F. Steinberg, 2015. "Can We Generalize from Case Studies?," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 15(3), pages 152-175, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:glenvp:v:15:y:2015:i:3:p:152-175
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    3. Angel Hsu & Amy J. Weinfurter & Kaiyang Xu, 2017. "Aligning subnational climate actions for the new post-Paris climate regime," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 142(3), pages 419-432, June.
    4. Walters, G. & Baruah, M. & Karambiri, M. & Osei-Wusu Adjei, P. & Samb, C. & Barrow, E., 2021. "The power of choice: How institutional selection influences restoration success in Africa," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).
    5. Mohamed Hachaichi & Jafaru Egieya, 2023. "Water-Food-Energy Nexus in Global Cities: Addressing Complex Urban Interdependencies," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(4), pages 1811-1825, March.
    6. Cashore, Benjamin & Nathan, Iben, 2020. "Can finance and market driven (FMD) interventions make “weak states” stronger? Lessons from the good governance norm complex in Cambodia," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Generalizations; Research; Methods; climate change politics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • Q0 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General

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