Аннотация:In this innovative approach to the practice of social science, Charles Ragin explores the use of sets to bridge the divide between quantitative and qualitative methods. Paradoxically, the set is a powerful tool because it replaces an unwieldy, fuzzy instrument (the variable, which establishes only the positions of cases relative to each other) with a precise one (degree of membership in a well-defined set). Ragin argues that sets allow a far richer dialogue between ideas and evidence in social research than previously possible. They let quantitative researchers abandon homogenizing assumptions about cases and causes, they extend diversity-oriented research strategies, and they provide a powerful connection between theory and data analysis. Most important, sets can be carefully tailored to fit evolving theoretical concepts, sharpening quantitative tools with in-depth knowledge gained through qualitative, case-oriented inquiry. This book should revolutionize research methods not only in sociology, political science and anthropology but in any field of inquiry dealing with complex patterns of causation.
