Lecture 3: Case studies & case selection Flashcards
X-centered study
Focuses on a cause and asks whether it has a (specific) effect on a given outcome (independent variabele)
Forward looking
Y-centered study
Focuses on the outcome and seeks to discern the relevant causes (dependent variabele)
Backward looking
Small N design
view units
Mechanism-centered study
Focuses on tracing a causal mechanism or a causal process
Inward looking
Units of analysis = Units of varation
On which units do X and Y variate, time and space.
Large N design
Many (time or space) units
Level of inquiry = Level of analysis
On which level does our argument take place
Cross-case level
more units and mechanisms (between these units and mechanisms)
Within-case level
One unit (one unit and mechanisms within this unit)
Causation
a type of co-variation where one phenomenon contributes to or produces another
Two views toward causation
Probabilistic view
Deterministic view
Probabilistic view
When the value of an independent variabele increase or decrease, this usually results in the values of the dependent variabele increasing or decreasing
Deterministic view
When the values of an independent variable increase or decrease, this always results in the values of the dependent variable or decreasing
Sufficient condition
something, if present guarentees that something else will occur
Necessary condition
something which must not be present for something else to be possible
