Process-Tracing Methods

Derek Beach, Rasmus Brun Pedersen

ISBN 10: 0472037358 / ISBN 13: 9780472037353

Published by The University of Michigan Press, US, 2019

About this Item

Process-tracing in social science is a method for studying causal mechanisms linking causes with outcomes. This enables the researcher to make strong inferences about how a cause (or set of causes) contributes to producing an outcome. In this extensively revised and updated edition, Derek Beach and Rasmus Brun Pedersen introduce a refined definition of process-tracing, differentiating it into four distinct variants and explaining the applications and limitations of each. The authors develop the underlying logic of process-tracing, including how one should understand causal mechanisms and how Bayesian logic enables strong within-case inferences. They provide instructions for identifying the variant of process-tracing most appropriate for the research question at hand and a set of guidelines for each stage of the research process.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780472037353

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Process-Tracing Methods
• Publisher: The University of Michigan Press, US
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0472037358
• ISBN 13: 9780472037353
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Process-tracing in social science is a method for studying causal mechanisms linking causes with outcomes. This enables the researcher to make strong inferences about how a cause (or set of causes) contributes to producing an outcome. In this extensively revised and updated edition, Derek Beach and Rasmus Brun Pedersen introduce a refined definition of process-tracing, differentiating it into four distinct variants and explaining the applications and limitations of each. The authors develop the underlying logic of process-tracing, including how one should understand causal mechanisms and how Bayesian logic enables strong within-case inferences. They provide instructions for identifying the variant of process-tracing most appropriate for the research question at hand and a set of guidelines for each stage of the research process.

About the Author

Derek Beach is Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University.
Rasmus Brun Pedersen is Associate Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University.