Using case-based approaches to analyse large datasets: a comparison of Ragin's fsQCA and fuzzy cluster analysis

Cooper, B.; Glaesser, J.

doi:10.1080/13645579.2010.483079

Using case-based approaches to analyse large datasets: a comparison of Ragin's fsQCA and fuzzy cluster analysis

Cooper, B.; Glaesser, J.

Authors

B. Cooper

J. Glaesser

Abstract

The paper undertakes a comparison of Ragin's fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis with cluster analysis. After describing key features of both methods, it uses a simple invented example to illustrate an important algorithmic difference in the way in which these methods classify cases. It then examines the consequences of this difference via analyses of data previously calibrated as fuzzy sets. The data, taken from the National Child Development Study, concern educational achievement, social class, ability and gender. The classifications produced by fsQCA and fuzzy cluster analysis (FCA) are compared and the reasons for the observed differences between them are discussed. The predictive power of both methods is also compared, employing both correlational and set theoretic comparisons, using highest qualification achieved as the outcome. In the main, using the real data, the two methods are found to produce similar results. A final discussion considers the generalisability or otherwise of this finding.

Citation

Cooper, B., & Glaesser, J. (2011). Using case-based approaches to analyse large datasets: a comparison of Ragin's fsQCA and fuzzy cluster analysis. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 14(1), 31-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2010.483079

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2011
Deposit Date	Jun 2, 2010
Publicly Available Date	Feb 8, 2011
Journal	International Journal of Social Research Methodology
Print ISSN	1364-5579
Electronic ISSN	1464-5300
Publisher	Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	14
Issue	1
Pages	31-48
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2010.483079
Keywords	Classification of cases, Fs/QCA, Fuzzy cluster analysis, National Child Development Study, Social class and education

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Copyright Statement
This is an electronic version of an article published in Cooper, B. and Glaesser, J. (2011) 'Using case-based approaches to analyse large datasets : a comparison of Ragin's fsQCA and fuzzy cluster analysis.', International journal of social research methodology., 14 (1). pp. 31-48.
International journal of social research methodology is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/ with the open URL of your article.