Qualitative comparative analysis is one of the most frequently used research methodologies for several complex problems. If you see it from a broader perspective, a comparative analysis is for qualitative as well as for quantitative research, but for qualitative research, it works very well as it helps you to explore the reason for any happening. You may have multiple cases in front of you and the change may occur in just one case. In this situation, you have to get the assistance of qualitative research and investigate the specialties of every situation. There are many other methods which aim to highlight the differences between different research problems. While working on comparative analysis, you should be aware of the main differences, so you can better get the right direction to follow.
Furthermore, the strategies to follow in the comparative analysis should be clear to you. The strategies help you build a productive and precise relationship between the targeted conditions of a particular problem. Therefore, this article aims to discuss the best strategies to work on qualitative comparative analysis.
Why is Qualitative Comparative Analysis Important for Research Work?
Qualitative comparative analysis is the only approach which helps you get the exact reason behind any particular aspect. For example, there are two things to evaluate in a research work. The first one is the necessity of the presence of a condition, while the second one is the satisfactory utilization of the condition. Now, qualitative comparative analysis can help you get both factors simultaneously. Even you can make a relation between both factors by using comparative analysis.
The method of drawing outcomes is very satisfactory in comparative analysis, as it forms mathematical as well as inductive and comparative case-based techniques. The combination of these techniques makes it special, unique and precise simultaneously.
In a comparative analysis, you have to work on the structure that can help you remove several confusions regarding it, and everything should be understandable. The following strategies can work for qualitative comparative analysis:
Device Main Subject
With qualitative comparative analysis, you can better analyze the problem, so you have to be careful about the main subject. The selection of subject demand high brainstorming and different techniques can be used for it. Basically, the purpose of brainstorming is to compare the subjects and identify their similarities and differences. You can use some graphic tool that can overlap the points if there is any similarity between subjects. On the other hand, the part of the points other than overlap shows the differences between selected subjects.
Learn about the Strengths of Comparative Analysis
When you learn about the strengths, it helps you know where to use this analysis. After that, you get the right area of the problem to run a qualitative comparative analysis. When you use this analysis at the right place, it helps you get accurate, in-depth information on every case selected for evaluation. Here, you can also make patterns for each case. These patterns work well to understand and explain changes in any situation.
Another point is that you can use this analysis when the traditional statistical analysis does not fulfil the purpose of study. Also, the results obtained through this analysis are replicable. By keeping these points clear, you can perform better in research work. This strategy to know about the strengths should not be neglected at all.
Basic Steps to Follow for Qualitative Comparative Analysis
By following the standard steps while performing comparative analysis, you can get accurate results. These six standard steps are mentioned below:
- First of all, you need to identify which of the change is supposed to discuss for analysis. For a single problem, you can find multiple changes. The best approach is to study each change separately. So, you have to come up with one change that you want to study in depth. Here the selection of change can be of your choice. For example, you have found five changes and get a chance to select one. It is better to go for one which is of your interest.
- Secondly, go for the selected theory based on the causal conditions and make primary research on it. With research, you can collect similar conditions to proceed further.
- List down the outcomes of every condition and separate the key factors. You can highlight the missing points as well. Also, put the main focus on the points which make the situation similar or different.
- Now you have to work on the criteria for the score of all key factors. Qualitative comparative analysis has two scoring criteria, including a crisp set and a fuzzy set. From these two, you can select the one which is more suitable to address.
- After scoring, analyze the collected data by using software like Tosmana, formula spreadsheet or fs/QCA.
- Based on the results obtained through software analysis, you can make interpretations.
Strategy to Overview the Performed Task
A good analysis demands an effective end, which can finally prove connecting points between subjects. Use your concluding paragraph to summarize your analysis. It is the last chance to prove the thesis statement and represent the personal point of view logically. Once you are done with the analysis, you can make its draft and check if it has followed a standard structure. Take an overview of qualitative comparative analysis and identify mistakes. You can also ask your advisor for valuable feedback.
Explanation of Analysis
You can divide the analysis description into three paragraphs. In this way, you can make it easy to understand for the reader. The purpose of each paragraph should be clear to you. The first paragraph should describe a relation between subjects, while the second should work on the comparison of subjects. In the last paragraph of the analysis explanation, you have to cover all the supposed challenges. In case of any problem, you can avail services of buy dissertation online.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned points can help you understand several aspects related to qualitative comparative analysis. Each step of this analysis requires special consideration. Also, it helps a lot in critically evaluating a particular aspect. Without in-depth evaluation, you cannot grasp the core points that build relationships between the selected conditions.
