Using crisp and fuzzy set-theoretic analyses for middle-range theorising: a configurational comparative approach to case-based research

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to introduce a methodology that enables researchers to employ a set of systematic comparative tools and techniques in their multiple case study research that allow them to move from drawing loose comparisons towards a more formalised type of analysis, while simultaneously paying attention to within-case complexities. This methodology stands between the qualitative and the quantitative methods and helps researchers to build middle-range theories (Mjoset, 2001) from small to intermediate numbers of cases. This methodology encompasses a number of techniques including crisp and fuzzy set-theoretic qualitative comparative analyses, which have been used in a wide range of social science disciplines. However, these techniques have not received sufficient attention from higher education scholars.

Citation

Shams, F. (2014), "Using crisp and fuzzy set-theoretic analyses for middle-range theorising: a configurational comparative approach to case-based research", Theory and Method in Higher Education Research II (International Perspectives on Higher Education Research, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 161-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3628(2014)0000010014