Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a research method used to identify patterns and combinations of factors that lead to specific outcomes. It examines different cases—such as organizations or countries—and compares their similarities and differences to see what conditions are necessary or sufficient for a particular result. Instead of looking at each factor in isolation, QCA recognizes that outcomes often depend on how multiple factors work together. This systematic approach helps researchers understand complex scenarios and identify key configurations that produce the effect of interest across diverse cases.