Course Description

This virtual main course, designed using an innovative pedagogical combination of asynchronous and synchronous on-line elements, introduces you to the nuts and bolts of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). QCA is an innovative set-theoretic technique that allows for comparisons of small, intermediate or large numbers of cases in order to identify necessary and / or sufficient conditions for an outcome. We will use real-world data to replicate a published study, work with examples from the participants’ own research projects, and introduce you to performing QCA with the freely available R software.

Course Structure

• Mornings: 90’ of prerecorded lectures, quizzes, and other learning materials for independent consumption
• 13.30-14.30h: Office hour / independent work (reading, exercises)
• 15.30-17.00h: Live online session (group exercises, R lab, Q&A)

Introduction to R

If you are new to R, it is recommended that you take the introductory course for R beginners with Prof. Thomann on  March 10 & 11.  This course is only available to participants of one of the main Komex courses.  For details, see https://afww.uni-konstanz.de/en/ekomex-basic-introduction-r-beginners