Process tracing

Process tracing is a method used to explain change and causation, and to evaluate and develop theories in the social sciences.[1] It is generally understood as a "within-case" method to draw inferences on the basis of causal mechanisms.[2] It has been used in psychology,[3] political science,[4] or usability studies.

In process tracing studies, multiple data points are collected in comparison to simple input-output methods, where only one measurement per task is available.

Process Tracing in Political Science

The method works by presenting the observable implications of a theory, as well as alternative explanations that are inconsistent with the theory. Once these observable implications are presented, they are then tested empirically to see which of the observable implications can be observed and which cannot.[1][5] Process-tracing emphasizes the temporal sequence of events, and requires fine-grained case knowledge.[1]

It is often used to complement comparative case study methods. By tracing the causal process from the independent variable of interest to the dependent variable, it may be possible to rule out potentially intervening variables in imperfectly matched cases. This can create a stronger basis for attributing causal significance to the remaining independent variables.[6]

Two limits to process-tracing is the problem of infinite regress and problem of degrees of freedom.[7][8] One advantage to process-tracing over quantitative methods is that process-tracing provides inferential leverage.[1] In addition to aiding uncovering and testing causal mechanisms, process-tracing also contributes descriptive richness.[1]

References
  1. Collier, David (2011). "Understanding Process Tracing". PS: Political Science & Politics. 44 (4): 823–830. doi:10.1017/s1049096511001429. ISSN 1049-0965.
  2. Jacobs, Alan M.; Büthe, Tim; Arjona, Ana; Arriola, Leonardo R.; Bellin, Eva; Bennett, Andrew; Björkman, Lisa; Bleich, Erik; Elkins, Zachary; Fairfield, Tasha; Gaikwad, Nikhar (2021). "The Qualitative Transparency Deliberations: Insights and Implications". Perspectives on Politics. Supplementary materials, Pt 2: 1–38. doi:10.1017/S1537592720001164. ISSN 1537-5927.
  3. Schulte-Mecklenbeck, M.; Kühberger, A.; Ranyard, R., eds. (2011). A Handbook of Process Tracing Methods for Decision Research: A Critical Review and User's Guide. New York: Taylor & Francis.
  4. Ford, J. Kevin; Schmitt, Neal; Schechtman, Susan L.; Hults, Brian M.; Doherty, Mary L. (1989). "Process Tracing Methods: Contributions, Problems, and Neglected Research Questions". Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. 43 (1): 75–117. doi:10.1016/0749-5978(89)90059-9.
  5. King, Gary; Keohane, Robert O.; Verba, Sidney. Designing Social Inquiry.
  6. George, Alexander L.; Bennett, Andrew (2005). Case studies and theory development in the social sciences. London: MIT Press. pp. 214–15. ISBN 0-262-57222-2.
  7. Bennett, Andrew (2010). "Process Tracing and Causal Inference" in Rethinking social inquiry diverse tools, shared standards. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4422-0343-3. OCLC 787870333.
  8. King, Gary; Keohane, Robert O.; Verba, Sidney (1994). Designing Social Inquiry. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. p. 86. doi:10.1515/9781400821211. ISBN 978-1-4008-2121-1.

Further reading
  • Bennett, A. and A.L. George (2001). "Case Studies and Process Tracing in History and Political Science: Similar Strokes for Different Foci" in C. Elman and M.F. Elman (eds.) Bridges and Boundaries: Historians, Political Scientists, and the Study of International Relations. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press pp. 137–166.
  • Checkel. J. T. (2006) "Tracing Causal Mechanisms." The International Studies Review, Vol. 8: 362-370.
  • Checkel, J. T. (2008) "Process Tracing." in A. Klotz and D. Prakash (eds.) Qualitative Methods in International Relations: A Pluralist Guide, Palgrave: Macmillan, pp. 114–129.
  • Russo, J. E., Johnson, E. J., & Stephens, D. L. (1989). The validity of verbal protocols. Memory & Cognition, 17, 759-769. doi: 10.3758/BF03202637
  • Stieger, S., & Reips, U.-D. (2010). What are participants doing while filling in an online questionnaire: A paradata collection tool and an empirical study. Computers in Human Behavior, 26, 1488-1495.
  • Vennesson, P. and I. Wiesner (2014) "Process Tracing in Case Studies." in J. Soeters, P. Shields and S Reitjens (eds) Routledge Handbook ofj Research Methods in Military Studies New York: Routledge. pp. 92–103.
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