Process Tracing: Theory, Temporality, and Method

Abstract

Process tracing represents the empirical core of many, if not most, case studies because inferences on causal mechanism and processes often are at the heart of small-n research (Mahoney 2007a, 2007b). The literature on process tracing and mechanisms burgeoned over the last years and contributed to the improvement of causal inference in within-case analyses. As I explain in Chapter 8, however, many of the inferential issues dealt with in the context of process tracing fully extend to cross-case analysis. A discussion of tools, such as Bayesian inference, with an exclusive focus on process tracing therefore misrepresents the potential of these instruments. For this reason, I reserve a consideration of many aspects that one knows from the process tracing literature for Chapter 8 as this chapter takes a view on causal inference that covers cross-case and within-case analysis alike.KeywordsForeign Direct InvestmentCausal InferenceForeign RelationCritical JunctureDomestic GovernmentThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.