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Process Tracing (PT) is a within-case method that aims at uncovering the causal mechanism that underlies an association. Through PT, we study the “link” or “causal pathway” that connects a trigger to an outcome. Arguably, PT is the only qualitative method that explicitly focusses on studying causal mechanisms and that aims to understand how a particular outcome came about. PT moves beyond studying “mere” correlations and associations and is, therefore, an “invaluable method that should be included in every researcher’s repertoire.” (George and Bennett 2005, 224).
The aim of this one-week course is to develop the necessary conceptual knowledge and practical skills to conduct a full-fledged PT—from theory development and case selection to data-gathering, analysis, and drawing conclusions.
Over the course of five days, we will discuss what causal mechanisms are, how they advance our understanding of (social) phenomena, what it means to study them, and what conclusions can be drawn on the basis of PT. We will position PT in the broader methodological field and discuss particular strengths and weakness, as well as idiosyncrasies and complementarities.
This introduction to PT takes a hands-on approach applying the new insights to concrete examples and participants’ own research projects. The exercises will challenge participants to think about causality and social scientific research in new ways and to translate their own projects into PT-studies. This practical focus does mean most benefit is to be expected if participants are able to use parts of their own research, or research ideas, during the course.
