About the book
The use of case studies to build and test theories in political science and the other social sciences has increased in recent years. Many scholars have argued that the social sciences rely too heavily on quantitative research and formal models and have attempted to develop and refine rigorous methods for using case studies. This text presents a comprehensive analysis of research methods using case studies and examines the place of case studies in social science methodology. It argues that case studies, statistical methods, and formal models are complementary rather than competitive.
The book explains how to design case study research that will produce results useful to policymakers and emphasizes the importance of developing policy-relevant theories. It offers three major contributions to case study methodology: an emphasis on the importance of within-case analysis, a detailed discussion of process tracing, and development of the concept of typological theories. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences will be particularly useful to graduate students and scholars in social science methodology and the philosophy of science, as well as to those designing new research projects, and will contribute greatly to the broader debate about scientific methods.
Editions of Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262072571
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262572224
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262262897
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262303071
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262332903
Read an Excerpt
The use of case studies to build and test theories in political science and the other social sciences has increased in recent years. Many scholars have argued that the social sciences rely too heavily on quantitative research and formal models and have attempted to develop and refine rigorous methods for using case studies. This text presents a comprehensive analysis of research methods using case studies and examines the place of case studies in social science methodology. It argues that case studies, statistical methods, and formal models are complementary rather than competitive.
The book explains how to design case study research that will produce results useful to policymakers and emphasizes the importance of developing policy-relevant theories. It offers three major contributions to case study methodology: an emphasis on the importance of within-case analysis, a detailed discussion of process tracing, and development of the concept of typological theories. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences will be particularly useful to graduate students and scholars in social science methodology and the philosophy of science, as well as to those designing new research projects, and will contribute greatly to the broader debate about scientific methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences about?
The use of case studies to build and test theories in political science and the other social sciences has increased in recent years. Many scholars have argued that the social sciences rely too heavily on quantitative research and formal models and have attempted to develop and refine rigorous methods for using case studies. This text presents a comprehensive analysis of research methods using case studies and examines the place of case studies in social science methodology. It argues that case studies, statistical methods, and formal models are complementary rather than competitive.
The book explains how to design case study research that will produce results useful to policymakers and emphasizes the importance of developing policy-relevant theories. It offers three major contributions to case study methodology: an emphasis on the importance of within-case analysis, a detailed discussion of process tracing, and development of the concept of typological theories. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences will be particularly useful to graduate students and scholars in social science methodology and the philosophy of science, as well as to those designing new research projects, and will contribute greatly to the broader debate about scientific methods.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government
Where can I read a sample of Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262072571
Is Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Belfer Center Studies in International Security
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences?
Alexander L. George, Andrew Bennett
Who is the Publisher of the book Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262072571) and paperback(ISBN 9780262572224) and ebook(ISBN 9780262262897) and ebook(ISBN 9780262303071) and ebook(ISBN 9780262332903)
Where can I buy Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences from below
Where can I buy Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences?