Types of Hypotheses
Hypothesis Testing
Case Study
- Focuses intensely on one case
- Sometimes used to explore potential explanations
- Focus on atypical cases
- Also used to explore descriptive hypotheses
- Focus on typical cases
Paired Comparison
-
Used as basic test of causal argument
-
Two cases similar in most respects except for outcome
-
Typically cases within same geographic region
Most Similar Systems
Examines cases that are similar in all or most respects to understand outcome that differs between them
Most Different Systems
Examine cases that are different in all or most respects to understand a common outcome
Quantitative Analysis
Employs statistical correlations to demonstrate relationships between IVs & DVs
Less about…
Deterministic if-then statements
More about…
Probabilistic statements regarding likelihood
Types of Correlation
Positive
Negative
Division of Labor
- Qualitative Studies
- Good for generating hypotheses and positing mechanisms
- Bad for testing generalizability
- Quantitative Studies
- Good for testing generalizability
- Bad for helping to develop hypotheses or getting at “on the ground” reality