From case-study designs to process-tracing

Cyril Benoît () and Marek Naczyk
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Cyril Benoît: CEE - Centre d'études européennes et de politique comparée (Sciences Po, CNRS) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Marek Naczyk: DSPI - Department of Social Policy and Intervention - University of Oxford

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Abstract: This chapter discusses case-study designs and process-tracing in the study of welfare state reform. We begin by outlining the analytical foundations of this methodology, highlighting its connection with comparative historical analysis and historical institutionalism. We then identify criteria and best practices for process-tracing and evaluate their application based on a meta analysis of recent publications on welfare state reform. Our analysis shows a trend towards a theorization in terms of causal mechanisms and processes, indicating greater integration of process-tracing principles. However, we also observe variations in research practices, such as inconsistent examination of alternative hypotheses, unclear data triangulation and limited transparency in reporting findings. While best practices for process-tracing are well-established in political methodology, we thus conclude that data must be better analysed, organized and communicated. The chapter offers reflections on these issues, emphasizing the need to better link data collection and analysis and to ensure transparency in processtracing research.

Keywords: qualitative and mixed methods; comparative historical analysis; process tracing; Case studies; Bayesian inference (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-08
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05217014v1
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Published in Bernhard Ebbinghaus; Moira Nelson. Handbook on Welfare State Reform, Edward Elgar, pp.121-135, 2025, Elgar Handbooks in Social Policy and Welfare, 978 1 83910 879 2

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05217014

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