Journal of Guangxi Teachers Education University (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition) ›› 2020, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (3): 89-110.doi: 10.16088/j.issn.1001-6597.2020.03.008

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Qualitative Comparative Analysis: A Configuration Comparison Method Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Thinking

LI Yong-fa   

  1. School of Business Administration, Anhui University of Finance and Economics, Bengbu 233000, China
  • Received:2020-01-22 Online:2020-05-25 Published:2020-06-04

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Abstract: QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis), though a new research paradigm widely adopted in the social science field, is commonly found not to be fully understood and standardized, thus reducing its effectiveness, and even triggering some misunderstandings sometimes. In view of this, this paper, through the design of typical scenarios of QCA application, reveals the key decision points in the QCA solution process. The calculation process and method of QCA core indicators are provided, and the working principle of QCA is seen through. In addition, the QCA solution process, including three stages and 10 steps, is completely described to explore the strategy of rational application of QCA at the method and technical level. Finally, it is pointed out that QCA, a method of configuration comparison that integrates qualitative and quantitative analysis, has a wide application prospect in evaluation and prediction.

Key words: qualitative comparative analysis, causal complexity, counter-factual analysis, calibration, parsimonious solution

CLC Number: 

  • C03
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