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Comparative Political Studies
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Qualitative Methodology and Comparative Politics

James Mahoney

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

Leading methods for pursuing qualitative research in the field of comparative politics are discussed. On one hand, qualitative researchers in this field use a variety of methods of theory development: procedures for generating new hypotheses, tools for pursuing conceptual innovation, and techniques for identifying populations of homogeneous cases. On the other hand, they employ both within-case and cross-case methods of theory testing. Within-case methods include techniques for identifying intervening mechanisms and testing multiple observable implications of theories. Cross-case methods include a host of approaches for assessing hypotheses about necessary and sufficient causes. The article discusses the distinctive leverage offered by qualitative research for addressing questions in comparative politics.

Key Words: case selection • theory generation • theory testing • causal inference

Comparative Political Studies, Vol. 40, No. 2, 122-144 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0010414006296345
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