Process Tracing & Interpretivism Flashcards
What is the difference in terminology between Positivist and Analyticist PT regarding causal mechanisms?
In Positivist PT, the causal mechanism refers to the entire process, while in Analyticist PT (interpretivism), ideal-type mechanisms are seen as components of processes.
How do Positivist and Analyticist PT differ in their approach to generalizability?
Positivist PT aims for generalizable statements as regularities with specific scope conditions, while Analyticist PT focuses on the portability of findings to different contexts.
How does the concept of agency differ in Positivist and Analyticist PT?
Positivist PT views agency as “instrumental,” meaning agents act predictably under given conditions. Analyticist PT emphasises “true” agency, where actors interpret and give meaning to their actions in specific contexts.
What is the primary focus of researchers in Positivist and Analyticist PT?
Positivist PT researchers seek to uncover law-like statements about social actors and their behaviour. Analyticist PT researchers are more interested in understanding how actors make sense of their actions within a particular context.
How does the concept of “multi-finality” apply in Analyticist PT?
Analyticist PT acknowledges that the same mechanism can lead to different outcomes depending on the context. This contrasts with Positivist PT, where a change in outcome suggests a distinct mechanism.
How are mechanisms defined in Analyticist PT?
Mechanisms are understood as abstract descriptions of agent activities that gain specific meaning when contextualised. They help researchers interpret processes but are not formulated as strict regularities or laws.
What is the difference in the level of specificity when defining mechanisms in Positivist and Analyticist PT?
Positivist PT seeks well-specified, step-by-step mechanisms, while Analyticist PT employs less specific definitions, focusing on the broader activities performed by agents.
What is the significance of Jo’s (2022) article in the context of Analyticist Process Tracing?
While Jo’s work predates van Meegdenburg’s (2023) systematisation of Analyticist PT and uses positivist terminology, her approach aligns with Analyticist PT principles. It highlights the practical application of Analyticist PT in a real-world study.
What is the role of “practical implications” in Analyticist Process Tracing?
Practical implications are used to test the plausibility of theorised mechanisms. Researchers develop specific, observable indicators to identify and analyse the mechanisms in action within a case study.
How does Analyticist Process Tracing address the concept of portability?
Analyticist Process Tracing aims to develop statements about patterns that are abstract enough to be applied to different contexts while remaining specific enough to guide a theoretically informed analysis. This ensures that insights gained from one case study can be potentially useful for understanding similar processes in other settings.
What is the significance of “framing,” “accrediting,” and “binding” in Jo’s (2022) study of collective memory politics in South Korea?
These three concepts represent mechanisms through which non-state actors challenge the state’s control over collective memory:
- Framing: This involves negotiating how the past should be interpreted through interactions and feedback among different groups.
- Accrediting: This refers to the process of redefining who has the authority to narrate the past, challenging official narratives.
- Binding: This mechanism focuses on enforcing the boundaries of acceptable narratives, determining who can say what about the past.
