Set-Analytic Approaches, Especially Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA)

Abstract

This report focuses on set-analytic approaches that use algorithms and computer software for parts of their analysis, particularly Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). We concentrate on transparency concerning the "analytic moment" that stretches from assigning membership scores of cases in the condition and outcome sets to the presentation and interpretation of the results obtained via the truth table's logical minimization. We do not address transparency issues related to the research processes prior to and after this analytic moment as they are not specific to set-analytic approaches and are covered by other QTD working groups, such as those on research ethics, text-based sources, and non-automated content analysis.

Keywords: qualitative methods, research transparency, qualitative comparative analysis, set theory, Qualitative Transparency Deliberations