Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) from Coursera

Welcome to this massive open online course (MOOC) about Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Please read the points below before you start the course. This will help you prepare well for the course and attend it properly. It will also help you determine if the course offers the knowledge and skills you are looking for.

What can you do with QCA?

• QCA is a comparative method that is mainly used in the social sciences for the assessment of cause-effect relations (i.e. causation).

• QCA is relevant for researchers who normally work with qualitative methods and are looking for a more systematic way of comparing and assessing cases.

• QCA is also useful for quantitative researchers who like to assess alternative (more complex) aspects of causation, such as how factors work together in producing an effect.

• QCA can be used for the analysis of cases on all levels: macro (e.g. countries), meso (e.g. organizations) and micro (e.g. individuals).

• QCA is mostly used for research of small- and medium-sized samples and populations (10-100 cases), but it can also be used for larger groups. Ideally, the number of cases is at least 10. QCA cannot be used if you are doing an in-depth study of one case.

What will you learn in this course?

• The course is designed for people who have no or little experience with QCA.

• After the course you will understand the methodological foundations of QCA.

• After the course you will know how to conduct a basic QCA study by yourself.

How is this course organized?

• The MOOC takes five weeks. The specific learning objectives and activities per week are mentioned in appendix A of the course guide. Please find the course guide under Resources in the main menu.

• The learning objectives with regard to understanding the foundations of QCA and practically conducting a QCA study are pursued throughout the course. However, week 1 focuses more on the general analytic foundations, and weeks 2 to 5 are more about the practical aspects of a QCA study.

• The activities of the course include watching the videos, consulting supplementary material where necessary, and doing assignments. The activities should be done in that order: first watch the videos; then consult supplementary material (if desired) for more details and examples; then do the assignments.

• There are 10 assignments. Appendix A in the course guide states the estimated time needed to make the assignments and how the assignments are graded. Only assignments 1 to 6 and 8 are mandatory. These 7 mandatory assignments must be completed successfully to pass the course.

• Making the assignments successfully is one condition for receiving a course certificate. Further information about receiving a course certificate can be found here: https://learner.coursera.help/hc/en-us/articles/209819053-Get-a-Course-Certificate

About the supplementary material

• The course can be followed by watching the videos. It is not absolutely necessary yet recommended to study the supplementary reading material (as mentioned in the course guide) for further details and examples. Further, because some of the covered topics are quite technical (particularly topics in weeks 3 and 4 of the course), we provide several worked examples that supplement the videos by offering more specific illustrations and explanation. These worked examples can be found under Resources in the main menu.

• Note that the supplementary readings are mostly not freely available. Books have to be bought or might be available in a university library; journal publications have to be ordered online or are accessible via a university license.

• The textbook by Schneider and Wagemann (2012) functions as the primary reference for further information on the topics that are covered in the MOOC. Appendix A in the course guide mentions which chapters in that book can be consulted for which week of the course.

• The publication by Schneider and Wagemann (2012) is comprehensive and detailed, and covers almost all topics discussed in the MOOC. However, for further study, appendix A in the course guide also mentions some additional supplementary literature.

• Please find the full list of references for all citations (mentioned in this course guide, in the MOOC, and in the assignments) in appendix B of the course guide.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction, analytic foundations and the QCA research process

In week 1, we will discuss a) the nature and structure of the general research process in QCA, b) the analytic foundations of QCA, and c) the features of the general QCA research field.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Familiarizes learners with Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), which is a sought-after skillset for social science research

Provides a solid foundation in QCA concepts, analysis, and interpretation methods

Offers practical guidance on conducting QCA studies, making it suitable for both beginners and researchers seeking to enhance their skills

Designed to be accessible to those with little or no prior knowledge of QCA

Provides insights into advanced aspects of causation, such as how factors interact to produce an effect

Course material includes videos, supplementary readings, worked examples, and assignments, offering a diverse learning experience

Reviews summary

Qualitative comparative analysis foundations and practice

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), covering both its methodological foundations and practical application. Students appreciate the clear explanations of complex concepts and the step-by-step guidance on conducting a QCA study. The assignments are seen as valuable for applying the learned material, although some found them challenging and wished for more detailed solutions or feedback. The course seems best suited for those new to QCA or looking for a systematic overview. While the core material is well-structured, accessing supplementary readings can be a barrier.

Assignments require effort and application.

"The assignments are quite challenging but necessary for learning."

"I found the assignments difficult, especially the later ones."

"Completing the assignments really forces you to understand the material."

"They test your ability to apply what's taught in the videos."

Introduction to QCA software (FsQCA).

"The section on using FsQCA software was very practical."

"Learning how to use the software is a key takeaway."

"Demonstrations of the software helped understand the steps."

"It guides you on using the specific tool for QCA analysis."

Good starting point for newcomers to QCA.

"This course is perfect for someone who has no prior knowledge of QCA."

"Designed well for beginners in the method."

"It assumes no prior expertise in QCA."

"A good gentle introduction to a complex method."

Focuses on applying QCA step-by-step.

"The course teaches you how to actually conduct a basic QCA study yourself."

"It takes you through the process step by step, which is very practical."

"I learned how to move from theory to practical analysis with QCA."

"Useful for researchers looking to apply QCA in their work."

Complex topics explained clearly.

"The concepts were explained in a clear and concise way."

"I appreciated the detailed explanations, making complex ideas understandable."

"The lectures were very helpful in clarifying difficult points."

"The instructor did a good job breaking down the steps of QCA."

Provides a strong basis in QCA concepts.

"This course provides a very solid foundation and understanding of the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method."

"It really helps you to understand the fundamentals of QCA."

"I learned the basics of QCA and its methodology."

"Gave me a great starting point for using QCA in my research."

Required readings not always free.

"Accessing the supplementary readings is difficult as they are not free."

"The reliance on non-free textbooks is a drawback."

"I couldn't access the recommended readings, relying solely on videos."

"Wish there were more free supplementary resources provided."

Requests for more detailed solutions/feedback.

"I wish there were more detailed explanations for the assignment solutions."

"Getting better feedback on the assignments would improve the learning."

"Sometimes it was hard to know where I went wrong on the assignments."

"More examples of completed assignments would be helpful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) with these activities:

Review 'Analyzing Causal Mechanisms'

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Get a deeper understanding of causal analysis by reviewing this book, providing insights into mechanisms and processes covered in the course.

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Read chapters 1-3 of Collier and Mahoney (2015).

Design a QCA Research Model

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Reinforce your understanding of research design by creating a QCA research model, applying the concepts discussed in Week 2.

Browse courses on Research Design

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Identify a research problem and develop a research question.
Select a sample of cases.
Operationalize the concepts in your research question.
Create a truth table.

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Qualitative Researcher

A Qualitative Researcher designs and carries out qualitative research projects, using methods like surveys, interviews, and observations. The course will help a researcher understand methodological foundations and how to conduct a basic QCA study. A Qualitative Researcher may use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases at various levels, such as macro (countries), meso (organizations), and micro (individuals).

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies to make recommendations on how to improve them. The course can help a Policy Analyst understand how to assess alternative (more complex) aspects of causation, such as how factors work together in producing an effect. This knowledge can be useful when evaluating the effectiveness of different policies.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. The course can help a Data Analyst understand the analytic foundations of QCA and how to use it to assess cause-effect relations. This knowledge can be useful when analyzing data to make informed decisions.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. The course can help a Research Scientist understand the methodological foundations of QCA and how to conduct a basic QCA study. This knowledge can be useful when designing and conducting research studies.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides expert advice to organizations on a variety of topics. The course can help a Consultant understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases at various levels. This knowledge can be useful when providing advice to organizations on how to improve their performance.

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Marketing Researcher

A Marketing Researcher conducts research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. The course can help a Marketing Researcher understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when developing marketing campaigns and strategies.

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Program Evaluator

A Program Evaluator assesses the effectiveness of social programs. The course can help a Program Evaluator understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when evaluating the effectiveness of different programs.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides social services to individuals and families. The course can help a Social Worker understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when providing services to clients.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. The course can help a Teacher understand the methodological foundations of QCA and how to conduct a basic QCA study. This knowledge can be useful when developing lesson plans and teaching students about research methods.

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Journalist

A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. The course can help a Journalist understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when investigating stories and writing articles.

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Lawyer

A Lawyer represents clients in court and provides legal advice. The course may be useful for a Lawyer who wants to understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when building a case and arguing in court.

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Doctor

A Doctor diagnoses and treats patients. The course may be useful for a Doctor who wants to understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when diagnosing patients and developing treatment plans.

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Engineer

An Engineer designs, builds, and maintains machines and structures. The course may be useful for an Engineer who wants to understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when designing and building structures.

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Architect

An Architect designs and builds buildings. The course may be useful for an Architect who wants to understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when designing and building buildings.

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Accountant

An Accountant prepares and examines financial records. The course may be useful for an Accountant who wants to understand how to use QCA to assess cause-effect relations and analyze cases. This knowledge can be useful when preparing and examining financial records.

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