Fuzzy-Set Social Science

In this innovative approach to the practice of social science, Charles Ragin explores the use of fuzzy sets to bridge the divide between quantitative and qualitative methods. Paradoxically, the fuzzy set is a powerful tool because it replaces an unwieldy, "fuzzy" instrument (the variable, which establishes only the positions of cases relative to each other) with a precise one (degree of membership in a well-defined set). Ragin argues that fuzzy sets allow a far richer dialogue between ideas and evidence in social research than previously possible. They let quantitative researchers abandon "homogenizing assumptions" about cases and causes, they extend diversity-oriented research strategies, and they provide a powerful connection between theory and data analysis. Most important, fuzzy sets can be carefully tailored to fit evolving theoretical concepts, sharpening quantitative tools with in-depth knowledge gained through qualitative, case-oriented inquiry. This book should revolutionize research methods not only in sociology, political science and anthropology but in any field of inquiry dealing with complex patterns of causation.

ISBN 0226702774   Pages 312 ISBN13 9780226702773 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher The University of Chicago Press   Weight (grammes) 520 Imprint University of Chicago Press   Published in Chicago, IL Format Paperback   Height (mm) 228 Publication date 14 Aug 2000   Width (mm) 155 Library of Congress 99086553   Spine width (mm) 20 DEWEY 300.72   Academic level Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC21

		List of Illustrations
		List of Tables
		Preface
		Acknowledgments
		Introduction		3
Pt. 1		Diversity-Oriented Research
1		Diversity-Oriented Research: Between Complexity and Generality		21
2		Constituting Populations		43
3		Studying Cases as Configurations		64
4		Causal Complexity		88
5		The Logic of Diversity-Oriented Research		120
Pt. 2		Fuzzy-Set Methods
6		Fuzzy Sets and the Study of Diversity		149
7		Using Fuzzy Sets to Constitute Cases and Populations		181
8		Fuzzy Sets and Necessary Conditions		203
9		Using Fuzzy Sets to Study Sufficient Conditions		230
10		Causal Complexity: Applying Fuzzy-Set Methods		261
11		Fuzzy Sets and the Dialogue between Ideas and Evidence		309
		Bibliography		335
		Index		345

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