From case-study designs to process-tracing

This chapter discusses case-study designs and process-tracing in the study of welfare state reform. We begin by outlining the analytical foundations of this methodology, highlighting its connection with comparative historical analysis and historical institutionalism. We then identify criteria and best practices for process-tracing and evaluate their application based on a meta analysis of recent publications on welfare state reform. Our analysis shows a trend towards a theorization in terms of causal mechanisms and processes, indicating greater integration of process-tracing principles. However, we also observe variations in research practices, such as inconsistent examination of alternative hypotheses, unclear data triangulation and limited transparency in reporting findings. While best practices for process-tracing are well-established in political methodology, we thus conclude that data must be better analysed, organized and communicated. The chapter offers reflections on these issues, emphasizing the need to better link data collection and analysis and to ensure transparency in processtracing research.