Preparing a Causal Research Design

Abstract

This chapter outlines the principles and practices of preparing a causal research design in qualitative research. It argues that a good causal research design is one that (1) poses a causal research question, (2) identifies what is at stake in answering this question, (3) describes the key concepts and variables, (4) offers a causal hypothesis, (5) accounts for competing explanations, (6) outlines plans for data collection and analysis, (7) plans for contingencies, and (8) discusses why the researcher is the right person to carry out this research. The chapter also considers potential challenges that researchers may encounter in designing and executing causal analyses, including the interrelated nature of the research design decisions and the need for subsequent revisions to the design in the field, and suggests practical steps that researchers can take to address these difficulties and succeed in their research.