Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) for Social Research Training Course

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) for Social Research Training Course

Introduction

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) has emerged as a robust, systematic, and innovative method in social research, enabling scholars and practitioners to explore complex causality and uncover patterns across multiple cases. By blending qualitative depth with quantitative rigor, QCA facilitates nuanced insights into social phenomena, policy evaluations, and program assessments. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) for Social Research Training Course empowers social researchers to identify necessary and sufficient conditions for specific outcomes, making it indispensable for evidence-based decision-making and interdisciplinary research.

In today’s data-driven landscape, mastery of QCA equips researchers, evaluators, and policymakers with essential analytical skills to address multifaceted social challenges across global contexts. This specialized training program in QCA for Social Research integrates advanced research methodologies, case-based reasoning, configurational analysis, and comparative approaches to build participants' expertise in applying QCA for impactful social inquiry. The course is designed to foster critical thinking, methodological precision, and the application of QCA tools using real-world case studies and software applications.

Course Objectives

1. Master the fundamentals of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) methodology.
2. Understand set theory applications in social science research.
3. Apply case-oriented research designs to social inquiry.
4. Conduct cross-case analysis using advanced QCA techniques.
5. Explore necessary and sufficient condition analysis in complex datasets.
6. Implement Boolean algebra in social research comparisons.
7. Utilize QCA software like fsQCA and KHVQCA for data analysis.
8. Identify causal configurations in policy and program evaluations.
9. Analyze small-N and medium-N datasets for social research.
10. Integrate mixed-methods research with QCA frameworks.
11. Critically evaluate configurational comparative methods (CCM).
12. Develop evidence-based insights for decision-making in social policy.
13. Design and execute impactful comparative research projects using QCA.

Target Audiences

1. Social Science Researchers
2. Policy Analysts
3. Academic Scholars
4. Program Evaluators
5. NGO Researchers
6. Public Policy Makers
7. Graduate Students in Social Sciences
8. Data Analysts in Social Research

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Qualitative Comparative Analysis

• Origins and Evolution of QCA
• Core Principles of Configurational Analysis
• Types of QCA: Crisp-set, Fuzzy-set, Multi-value
• Importance in Social Science Research
• Key Terminologies and Concepts
• Case Study: Applying QCA in Educational Policy Analysis

Module 2: Set Theory and Social Research

• Basics of Set Theory in QCA
• Membership Scores and Calibration
• Understanding Necessary vs. Sufficient Conditions
• Constructing Condition and Outcome Sets
• Logical Minimization in QCA
• Case Study: Set Theory in Health Policy Research

Module 3: Designing Case-Oriented Research

• Criteria for Case Selection
• Case Knowledge and Contextual Analysis
• Data Collection Strategies for QCA
• Comparative Case Studies Approach
• The Role of Case Sensitivity in Analysis
• Case Study: QCA Design in Gender Equality Studies

Module 4: Boolean Algebra and Logical Analysis

• Introduction to Boolean Logic in QCA
• Truth Table Construction
• Logical Operators in Analysis
• Resolving Contradictory Configurations
• Simplifying Logical Expressions
• Case Study: Boolean Analysis in Climate Change Policy

Module 5: Software Tools for QCA

• Overview of QCA Software Options
• Hands-on Training with fsQCA
• Using KHVQCA and Other Tools
• Interpreting Software Outputs
• Visualizing Configurations and Results
• Case Study: QCA Software Application in Social Movements Research

Module 6: Cross-Case Comparative Analysis

• Techniques for Cross-Case Comparison
• Patterns and Causal Relationships
• Addressing Diversity in Case Studies
• Evaluating Consistency and Coverage
• Challenges in Cross-Case Analysis
• Case Study: Comparative Analysis in International Development Projects

Module 7: Mixed-Methods and Integrative Approaches

• Combining QCA with Qualitative Methods
• Integrating Quantitative Data
• Enhancing Robustness through Mixed-Methods
• Advantages of Integrative Frameworks
• Common Pitfalls in Method Integration
• Case Study: Mixed-Methods QCA in Public Health Interventions

Module 8: Policy and Program Evaluation with QCA

• Applying QCA in Policy Research
• Impact Assessment Using QCA
• Interpreting Results for Policy Recommendations
• Ethical Considerations in Policy Analysis
• Communicating Findings to Stakeholders
• Case Study: Evaluating Social Welfare Programs with QCA

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures with Practical Demonstrations
• Hands-on Software Training Sessions
• Group Discussions and Collaborative Learning
• Real-World Case Study Analysis
• Step-by-Step Guidance in QCA Application
• Personalized Feedback and Coaching

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.