Qualitative Causal Inference and Explanation

Qualitative Causal Inference and Explanation, the first volume in the Strategies For Social Inquiry series, offers a rigorous methodological framework for social science research. Author David Waldner addresses the tension between qualitative case studies and quantitative causal inference. While traditional qualitative methods provide deep explanations, they often lack formal inferential validity. Conversely, quantitative approaches prioritize valid inference but frequently sacrifice explanatory depth. This book introduces a hybrid method designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that social and political explanations are built upon soundly inferred causes.

This research text integrates graph-theoretic analysis into traditional process-tracing methods through three new concepts: hypothetical interventions, invariant causal mechanisms, and event-history maps. By applying these tools, researchers can establish clear standards for making valid, unit-level causal inferences. Qualitative Causal Inference and Explanation serves as a vital resource for scholars in sociology, politics, and research measurement seeking to explain complex phenomena while avoiding false positives.