Description
Social scientists have identified a need to move beyond the analysis of correlation among variables to the study of causal mechanisms that link them. Nicholas Weller and Jeb Barnes propose that a solution lies in 'pathway analysis', the use of case studies to explore the causal links between related variables. This book focuses on how the small-N component of multi-method research can meaningfully contribute and add value to the study of causal mechanisms. The authors present both an extended rationale for the unique role that case studies can play in causal mechanism research, and a detailed view of the types of knowledge that case studies should try to generate and how to leverage existing large-N data to guide the case selection process. The authors explain how to use their approach both to select cases and to provide context on previously studied cases.
This book introduces 'pathway analysis', a method to combine large and small-N research techniques and to aid understanding of causal mechanisms.
About the Author
Nicholas Weller is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California. Jeb Barnes is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California.
Reviews
'Finding Pathways makes an important contribution to the growing methodological literature on the identification of causal mechanisms. Weller and Barnes provide researchers with a powerful set of tools to investigate causal processes by showing how the logic of causal mediation analysis can bridge quantitative and qualitative research.' Kosuke Imai, Princeton University, New Jersey
'This is an enlightening, concise, and deeply pragmatic guide for social scientists who are investigating the unobserved mechanisms that connect causes to outcomes. Essential for both graduate students and senior scholars who use multi-method approaches.' Michael L. Ross, University of California, Los Angeles
Book Information
ISBN 9781107684768
Author Nicholas Weller
Format Paperback
Page Count 171
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 173mm * 10mm
This book introduces 'pathway analysis', a method to combine large and small-N research techniques and to aid understanding of causal mechanisms.
About the Author
Nicholas Weller is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern California. Jeb Barnes is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California.
Reviews
'Finding Pathways makes an important contribution to the growing methodological literature on the identification of causal mechanisms. Weller and Barnes provide researchers with a powerful set of tools to investigate causal processes by showing how the logic of causal mediation analysis can bridge quantitative and qualitative research.' Kosuke Imai, Princeton University, New Jersey
'This is an enlightening, concise, and deeply pragmatic guide for social scientists who are investigating the unobserved mechanisms that connect causes to outcomes. Essential for both graduate students and senior scholars who use multi-method approaches.' Michael L. Ross, University of California, Los Angeles
Book Information
ISBN 9781107684768
Author Nicholas Weller
Format Paperback
Page Count 171
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 173mm * 10mm
