C01-03PM: Process Tracing Methods: An Introduction

Process Tracing (PT) is a within-case method that uncovers the causal mechanism that underlies an association. Through PT, we study the “link” 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. 

The course takes a hands-on approach applying the new insights to concrete examples and participants’ own research projects. 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. 

This Introduction to PT provides participants insights into the role and value of causal mechanisms in social scientific research and teaches participants the basic skills to set-up and follow through their own PT-study. 

Day 1

The course starts by positioning PT in the broader methodological field. We define PT by the interest in studying causal mechanisms in single case studies and focus on its particular strengths and weakness. We discuss what understanding of causality underlies PT and how PT relates to, but differs from and advances, other case study methods. 

Day 2

Knowing what PT is, the questions arise what mechanisms are and how we can study them. We will treat mechanisms as the “link” connecting a trigger (often referred to as ‘x’) to a particular outcome (‘y’) under certain conditions. Importantly, we will talk about causal mechanisms as made up out of entities engaging in activities ensuring the productive continuity that we are interested in.

Day 3

We will use the third course day to deepen out the idea of mechanisms as “causally productive”. This is necessary, because the idea of causal productivity forces us to change our understanding of “causes”. The way we are taught think of causes, they tend to be passive descriptors: “democracy”, “education”, “migration”.  But what is it about democracy that, for instance, causes peace? What are the causal properties and how do these properties work to produce something? And where, then, do they show up in a mechanism? 

Day 4

Day four is dedicated to causal mechanisms and evidence in practice. How can we translate theoretical propositions into propositions about mechanisms and test those propositions? Or, more inductively, how can we translate empirical observations into a theoretical causal mechanism? In other words, (how) can we proof the existence of a causal mechanism using what kind of evidence?

Day 5

On the last day we have two distinct aims. On the one hand, we will make time to present and appraise some of the causal mechanisms participants developed throughout the course. What is going well? What can be improved? And are there remaining common difficulties and questions that we should address? On the other hand, and to conclude the more theoretical exploration of the method, we discuss case selection, generalization, and the (im)possibilities of combining PT with other methods.

After this course you will be able to:

• Explain the strengths and weakness of PT to a peer

• Apply PT to your own research project(s)

• Justify your selection of PT as the (an) appropriate method for your research project

• Theoretically explain what kind of conclusions you can draw on the basis of your study

Indicative list of readings

Recommended readings:

• Ahmed, A., and R. Sil. 2012. “When Multi-Method Research Subverts Methodological Pluralism—or Why We Still Need Single-Method Research.” Perspectives on Politics 10(4): 935–53.
• Beach, D., & Pedersen, R. B. (2018). Selecting Appropriate Cases When Tracing Causal Mechanisms. Sociological Methods & Research, 47(4), 837–871.
• Beach, D., & Pedersen, R. B. (2019). Process-Tracing Methods. Foundations and Guidelines (2nd ed.). University of Michigan Press.
• Goertz, G. (2017). Multimethod Research, Causal Mechanisms, and Case Studies. Princeton University Press.
• Machamer, Peter, Lindley Darden, and Carl F. Craver. 2000. Thinking about Mechanisms. Philosophy of Science 67(1): 1–25. 

This description is subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor

2 Credits

For completion of all work before and during the course, as outlined by the Instructor, and 90% participation and attendance of the course.

2 Additional Credits

Course specific extra assignments. These can include submitting assignments before the course, daily assignments, and/or a final assignment to be completed after the course as decided by the Instructor.  This description is subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor.