Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation provides a user-friendly introduction for using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) as part of a mixed methods approach to research and evaluation. Offering practical, in-depth, and applied guidance for this unique analytic technique that is not provided in any current mixed methods textbook, the chapters of this guide skillfully build upon one another to walk researchers through the steps of QCA in logical order. To enhance and further reinforce learning, authors Leila C. Kahwati and Heather L. Kane provide supportive learning objectives, summaries, and exercises, as well as author-created datasets for use in R via the companion site.   Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation is Volume 6 in SAGE’s Mixed Methods Research Series.

Table of Contents:
Editors′ Introduction Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1: Qualitative Comparative Analysis as Part of a Mixed Methods Approach Overview of Mixed Methods Study Designs How QCA Compares to Other Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Underlying Assumptions of Causal Complexity QCA in Mixed Methods Studies Overview of the Rest of the Book and Guiding QCA Heuristic Chapter 2: Overview of QCA Concepts and Terminology Configural Research Questions The Concept of Sets Set Operators and Symbolic Notation From Concepts to Real-World Application Chapter 3: Selecting Cases and Choosing Conditions and Outcome Overview of Case, Condition, and Outcome Selection Apply Theoretical, Empirical, and Practical Considerations for Selecting Cases Apply Theoretical, Empirical, and Practical Considerations for Selecting Conditions and Outcomes Identify Strategies for Optimizing the Number of Cases and Conditions School Health Features and Academic Performance Example Chapter 4: Calibrating Sets and Managing Data Data Types and Sources Calibration versus Measurement Types of Calibration and Processes Used Calibration Examples Good Calibration Practices and Data Management Strategies Chapter 5: Analyzing the Data—Initial Analyses Overview of Analysis Transform a Data Matrix into a Truth Table Strategies for Managing Contradictory Truth Table Rows Revisiting the Data to Manage Contradictory Truth Table Rows Inspect the Truth Table for Potential Issues Conduct an Analysis of Necessary Conditions and Combinations of Conditions Conduct Analysis of Sufficient Conditions and Combinations of Conditions Chapter 6: Analyzing the Data—Model Analytics Overview of Model Analytics Interpret Solution Parameters of Fit Evaluating Assumptions Evaluating Assumptions: An Applied Example Model Ambiguity Evaluating Model Ambiguity: An Applied Example Assessing Robustness Evaluating Robustness: An Applied Example Iterative Respecification Chapter 7: Interpreting Results: Within- and Cross-Case Analysis Overview of Interpretation Considerations for Conducting Within- and Cross-Case Analysis Study Aims and Case Selection for Within- and Cross-case Analysis Example: School health and Wellness Policies and Academic Performance Chapter 8: Advanced Topics in QCA Multi-value QCA Incorporating Time in QCA Critiques of QCA Chapter 9: Preparing Proposals, Reports, Manuscripts, and Presentations Overview Reporting QCA Methods Summarizing Findings and Limitations Improving Accessibility to Readers Responding to Peer Review Critiques Chapter 10: Examples of Mixed Methods Approaches using QCA QCA Within a Mixed Methods Approach Example of Convergent Design: Evaluation of the Jobs to Careers Program Example of Sequential Design: A Configurational Approach to Understanding Project Delays APPENDIX: Recommended QCA Resources Glossary References Index