案例导向研究中的“范围条件”与理论建构

Defining Scope Conditions and Building Theory in Case-Oriented Research

如何优化案例导向实证研究的内部效度与外部效度?与既有研究不同,文章认为,在理论建构的过程中,研究者有必要通过清晰地界定“范围条件”来化解关于理论效度的挑战。以因果条件性与异质性为认识论基础,“范围条件”指的是使理论命题的预期明确且稳定的相关参数。一个界定明确的“范围条件”能够在区分相关案例与无关案例的基础上提升理论的内部效度,也能够帮助研究者更好地廓清研究对象总体,从而有利于对案例代表性问题展开合理化的论证。因此,在案例导向的实证研究中,对“范围条件”的探索与讨论,不仅是理论建构的重要组成部分,也是丰富概念与拓展类型学建构的重要途径。

Optimizing the internal and external validity of case-oriented empirical studies is a complex challenge.This article proposes that during the theory-building process,scholars can enhance theoretical validity by explicitly articulating the scope condition.The scope condition,grounded in the principles of causal conditionality and heterogeneity,specifies the contexts in which a theory or proposition reliably holds.By defining the scope condition,researchers can improve a theory's internal validity by segregating pertinent cases from non-relevant ones.This delineation also clarifies the research subject population,strengthening the case selection's representativeness.Therefore,in case-oriented research,delving into scope conditions is not merely a core aspect of theoretical development but also a potent method for advancing conceptualization and expanding typologies.