Comparative Research Designs and Case Selection

Abstract

Each empirical field of study can be described by the cases (“units”) analysed, the characteristics of cases (“variables”) being considered and the number of times each unit is observed (“observations”). In macro-qualitative small-N situations, which is the domain we are concerned with here, both case selection and variable selection are essential for the specific process of inquiry. Both should be guided by explicit theoretical concerns, but, at least initially, they also may be exploratory in nature starting at a relatively low level of theory-building (“analytic induction”, Blalock 1984). Only in later stages then, the range of explanations found can and should be systematically tested. For all these purposes specific comparative research designs are essential.