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Unifying Configurational Comparative Methods

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  • Alrik Thiem

Abstract

Crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), and multi-value Qualitative Comparative Analysis (mvQCA) have emerged as distinct variants of QCA, with the latter still being regarded as a technique of doubtful set-theoretic status. Textbooks on configurational comparative methods have emphasized differences rather than commonalities between these variants. This article has two consecutive objectives, both of which focus on commonalities. First, but secondary in importance, it demonstrates that all set types associated with each variant can be combined within the same analysis by introducing a standardized notational system. By implication, any doubts about the set-theoretic status of mvQCA vis-Ã -vis its two sister variants are removed. Second, but primary in importance and dependent on the first objective, this article introduces the concept of the multivalent fuzzy set variable. This variable type forms the basis of generalized-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (gsQCA), an approach that integrates the features peculiar to mvQCA and fsQCA into a single framework while retaining routine truth table construction and minimization procedures. Under the concept of the multivalent fuzzy set variable, all existing QCA variants become special cases of gsQCA.

Suggested Citation

  • Alrik Thiem, 2014. "Unifying Configurational Comparative Methods," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 43(2), pages 313-337, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:43:y:2014:i:2:p:313-337
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124113500481
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kyle C. Longest & Stephen Vaisey, 2008. "fuzzy: A program for performing qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) in Stata," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 8(1), pages 79-104, February.
    2. Charles C. Ragin & Paul Pennings, 2005. "Fuzzy Sets and Social Research," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 33(4), pages 423-430, May.
    3. Ragin, Charles C., 2000. "Fuzzy-Set Social Science," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226702773, September.
    4. Ragin, Charles C., 2006. "Set Relations in Social Research: Evaluating Their Consistency and Coverage," Political Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 14(3), pages 291-310, July.
    5. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226702766 is not listed on IDEAS
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