Some procedures for causal analysis of multiple‐case data

Abstract

This paper argues that the determination of causal influence is appropriate and feasible in qualitative social research and can be done without using statistical measures. Illustrations are given of some of the mechanics to be used when working with qualitative data. The focus is on determining causal influence in multiple settings. Multiple‐case field research promises to become more important in the future, and operationalized procedures for causal analysis will have a prominent place. By that time, we hope to have a variety of procedures that can be used with that work.