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Fallacies Associated with Causal Theorizing

To draw a conclusion based on a single case (observation) is possible only if:

1. There is a deterministic causation and there is no element of stochasticity,

2. There is a theory that lists all the variables required to explain the outcome (of the deterministic
model), and

3. All variables are measured without any errors.
If any one of these conditions are violated, it would be incorrect to generalize with N=1.
The dilemma of whether to adopt a case-based approach or a variable-based approach, is actually a
“false dilemma”. Researchers may use either or both the approaches depending upon the nature of
inquiry for the research.

Contextual factors in qualitative research vary from case to case, and that has a bearing on the
outcome of the research. Context is of prime importance in qualitative research. Therefore,
generalizing the observations, without giving appropriate importance and treatment to the context
results in ad hocism.

The details of these and other fallacies can be found in Munck (2005).

Conclusion

Researchers should have a clear idea about the approach that is suitable for their research problem;
usually, research involving sensitive social issues adopts the qualitative approach. This is because the data
collection methods are different for a quantitative approach as compared to the qualitative approach.
Data collection instruments, on the basis of their characteristics and content, would influence the
reliability, validity, and potential for their standardization. The researcher should take into consideration
and should discuss these issues in their research reports / theses. Researchers should have clear
understanding of the fallacies, so as to ensure the appropriateness / correctness of their research findings.

References

Alastalo, Marja. 2008. The History of Social Research Methods. Pp. 26–41 in The SAGE Handbook of
Social Research Methods. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Bornat, Joanna.2008. Biographical Methods. Pp. 344–356 in The SAGE Handbook of Social Research
Methods. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Bryman, Alan. 2008a. The End of Paradigm Wars? Pp. 13–25 in The SAGE Handbook of Social
Research Methods London: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2008.

Bryman, Alan. 2008b. Social Research Methods. London: Oxford University Press.

De Leeuw, Edith. 2008. Self-Administered Questionnaires and Standardized Interviews. Pp. 313–327
in The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Doucet, Andrea and Natasha Mauthner. 2008. Qualitative Interviewing and Feminist Research. Pp.
328–343 in The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Munck, Gerardo, L. 2005. Ten Fallacies About Qualitative Research. Qualitative & Multi-method
Research 3 (1): 2–5.

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