This session gives an overview of the strategies to integrate ‘small-N’ methods in mixed methods research designs, with a focus on Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Process Tracing. First, after a brief overview of small-N methods, the presentation will outline the main features of Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Process Tracing, focusing on the type of research questions they answer and the type of logic they rest on. Second, the key principles for mixing methods in research designs will be discussed. Third, the presentation will explain how to combine Qualitative Comparative Analysis and Process Tracing together, and touch upon how to combine them with other methods, qualitative and quantitative. The last part of the session will be dedicated to a practical exercise in small groups. Participants will be given a research question and asked to elaborate a mixed methods research design that includes Qualitative Comparative Analysis and/or Process Tracing. A collective discussion on the research designs will follow. No previous knowledge of Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Process Tracing or mixed methods designs is expected from participants.
Marine Bardou is a researcher in political science affiliated to ISPOLE. Her research focuses on EU external action and inter-institutional relations, with a particular interest in the external dimensions of EU fisheries and agricultural policies. She also explores research methods, qualitative and quantiative, and original ways to mix them in research designs.
