POLS 208 Chapter Notes - Chapter .: Wind Tunnel, Causal Inference, Counterfactual Conditional
5 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
Process tracing is a tool of qualitative analysis. Defined as the systematic examination of diagnostic evidence selected and analyzed in light of research questions and hypotheses posed by the investigator. There are no procedures for teaching basic research tools. It requires finding diagnostic evidence that provides the basis for descriptive and causal inference. Identifying evidence that can be interpreted as diagnostic depends on prior knowledge of conceptual frameworks. Process tracing focuses on the unfolding of events or situations over time. The descriptive component begins with observing change but also with being able to take good snapshots at a series of specific moments. Sometimes, it can depend on primary and secondary sources and sometimes it can depend on intensive interviewing. Four empirical tests classified according to whether passing the test is necessary and/or sufficient for accepting the inference. Specification of hypotheses - background knowledge must be clear.
