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Case Studies: Types, Designs, and Logics of Inference

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  • Jack S. Levy

    (Department of Political Science Rutgers University New Brunswick New Jersey, USA, jacklevy@rci.rutgers.edu)

Abstract

I focus on the role of case studies in developing causal explanations. I distinguish between the theoretical purposes of case studies and the case selection strategies or research designs used to advance those objectives. I construct a typology of case studies based on their purposes: idiographic (inductive and theory-guided), hypothesis-generating, hypothesis-testing, and plausibility probe case studies. I then examine different case study research designs, including comparable cases, most and least likely cases, deviant cases, and process tracing, with attention to their different purposes and logics of inference. I address the issue of selection bias and the “single logic†debate, and I emphasize the utility of multi-method research.

Suggested Citation

  • Jack S. Levy, 2008. "Case Studies: Types, Designs, and Logics of Inference," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 25(1), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:25:y:2008:i:1:p:1-18
    DOI: 10.1080/07388940701860318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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