Empirical Research on International Environmental Policy: Designing Qualitative Case Studies

Abstract

Although empirical research on international environmental politics and policy (IEP) will, by necessity, rely on qualitative case studies, this methodology remains less developed than quantitative procedures. Analysts using qualitative case studies to evaluate and generalize causal inferences can improve their research by following six key research steps. Selecting cases carefully, drawing appropriate causal inferences, and addressing the tension between specificity and generalizability prove particularly important. Analysts should develop theoretically meaningful propositions before selecting cases. Theoretically and practically interesting questions often cannot be answered with politically "hot" cases. Drawing internally valid causal inferences requires clearly defining and measuring dependent, independent, and control variables and selecting cases to control for exogenous variables. Focusing on "hard cases" and explicitly analyzing rival hypotheses produce stronger causal inferences. Analysts should give precedence to internal validity over external validity in their findings. Examples drawn from several environmental issue areas illustrate the method and criteria.