First introduced by Charles C. Ragin in 1987, Qualitative Comparative Analysis is an analytic eliminative technique that deploys set theory to connect a bundle of factors and an outcome. As such, it can complement ¬ ndings from more conventional frequentist techniques employed to establish the causal effect of a single factor, “everything else being equal”. However, QCA’s set–theoretic operations often raise doubts that results can be entrusted with the same causal standing as conventional ones. Con¬ gurational Explanations intends to dispel some of these doubts in light of a consideration: set theory is equipped to test whether a bundle and an outcome are systematically linked by an “if–then” relationship, which renders the formal side of causation in the logical tradition. Formal validity, however, is not enough: explanations also require the bundle to be causally interpretable and sound. The book reasons interpretability is ensured when factors are selected to render a constitutive mechanism, while soundness ultimately depends on how gauges preserve cases’ qualitative and quantitative information of interest. The book integrates these considerations into a usable protocol for credible con¬ gurational explanations and illustrates its application with a study of the accountability designs beneath the diversity in perceived corruption.

Configurational Explanations / A. Damonte. - Roma : Aracne, 2021. - ISBN 9788825518887. (A14)

Configurational Explanations

A. Damonte
Primo
2021

Abstract

First introduced by Charles C. Ragin in 1987, Qualitative Comparative Analysis is an analytic eliminative technique that deploys set theory to connect a bundle of factors and an outcome. As such, it can complement ¬ ndings from more conventional frequentist techniques employed to establish the causal effect of a single factor, “everything else being equal”. However, QCA’s set–theoretic operations often raise doubts that results can be entrusted with the same causal standing as conventional ones. Con¬ gurational Explanations intends to dispel some of these doubts in light of a consideration: set theory is equipped to test whether a bundle and an outcome are systematically linked by an “if–then” relationship, which renders the formal side of causation in the logical tradition. Formal validity, however, is not enough: explanations also require the bundle to be causally interpretable and sound. The book reasons interpretability is ensured when factors are selected to render a constitutive mechanism, while soundness ultimately depends on how gauges preserve cases’ qualitative and quantitative information of interest. The book integrates these considerations into a usable protocol for credible con¬ gurational explanations and illustrates its application with a study of the accountability designs beneath the diversity in perceived corruption.
2021
Causation; Explanations; Logic; Mechanisms; Modeling; Qualitative Comparative Analysis; Corruption
Settore SPS/04 - Scienza Politica
Settore M-FIL/02 - Logica e Filosofia della Scienza
   Procedural Tools for Effective Growth (PROTEGO) Patterns, Outcomes and Policy DesignProcedural Tools for Effective Growth: Patterns, Outcomes and policy Design
   PROTEGO
   EUROPEAN COMMISSION
   H2020
   694632
Configurational Explanations / A. Damonte. - Roma : Aracne, 2021. - ISBN 9788825518887. (A14)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/698631
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