Conservative solutions for progress: on solution types when combining QCA with in-depth Process-Tracing

Quality & Quantity, vol. 56, pp. 1965–1997

Abstract

Abstract What is the most appropriate QCA solution type when engaging in a multimethod design that includes QCA and in-depth process-tracing (PT)? While either the intermediate or the parsimonious solution are generally favored in QCA-only studies, we identify important challenges that can emerge when selecting those solutions in a QCA-PT multimethod study. We particularly highlight the risk of mechanistic heterogeneity, omitted conditions, and draw the attention on the issue of generalization. We discuss each of these intertwined challenges in depth, and explain why the conservative solution is useful to consider in addressing them. We substantiate our arguments by drawing on a recently completed evaluation study that was commissioned by the Flemish ESF Agency in Belgium. In the study, we combined QCA and theory-guided in-depth process-tracing to uncover under what combinations of conditions (QCA) a training programme would lead to successful training transfer and how (PT) this happened in the successful cases. The article highlights the need to carefully consider the selection of solution types in any multimethod design comprising QCA.

Authors 6

1. Priscilla Álamos‐Concha corresponding

   Radboud University Nijmegen

   Affiliation as printed

   Nijmegen School of Management, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 41, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

2. Valérie Pattyn Aachen Institute of Public Administration

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Public Administration, Leiden University, The Hague, The Netherlands

3. Benoît Rihoux

   UCLouvain

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Political and Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science Louvain-Europe (ISPOLE), University of Louvain, Place Montesquieu, 1 bte L2.08.07, B-1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

4. Benjamin Schalembier

   Flemish Government · Departement Werk en Sociale Economie

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Work and Social Economy, Flemish Government, Brussels, Belgium

5. Derek Beach

   Aarhus University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 7, building 1332, 222, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

6. Bart Cambré

   University of Antwerp · Antwerp Management School

   Affiliation as printed

   Antwerp Management School/Universith of Antwerp/Management Center Innsbruck, Antwerp Management School, Boogkeers 5, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium