Mixed methods and qualitative comparative analysis
Kane, H. L., & Kahwati, L. C. (2022). Mixed methods and qualitative comparative analysis. In R. J. Tierney, F. Rizvi, & K. Erkican (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education (4th ed., pp. 581-587). Elsevier, Ltd.. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818630-5.11057-7
Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is a method based on set-theory that can be used to identify complex causal relationships. It uses a case-based approach and can integrate qualitative and quantitative data or both making it particularly useful as a part of a mixed methods evaluation. We provide an overview of the process of applying QCA, present several published examples of QCA as applied to the field of education research, and then describe considerations for using QCA including theoretical, empirical, and practical considerations.
