Process-Tracing Methods: Foundations and Guidelines

Beach, Derek

ISBN 10: 047205189X / ISBN 13: 9780472051892

Published by The University of Michigan Press, 2013

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Process-Tracing Methods: Foundations and Guidelines
• Publisher: The University of Michigan Press
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 047205189X
• ISBN 13: 9780472051892
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Good

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. Derek Beach and Rasmus Brun Pedersen introduce a refined definition of process-tracing, differentiating it into three 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 Associate Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University, Denmark.

Rasmus Brun Pedersen is Associate Professor of Political Science at Aarhus University, Denmark.