Time Counts: Quantitative Analysis for Historical Social Science

Quantitative Analysis for Historical Social Science bridges the gap between qualitative and quantitative analysis, advancing historical research in the social sciences by incorporating innovative approaches to better capture nuances missed by traditional statistical methods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Quantitative Analysis for Historical Social Science is a groundbreaking approach that bridges the gap between qualitative and quantitative analysis in historical research. By expanding the standard quantitative methodological toolkit with innovative approaches, Gregory Wawro and Ira Katznelson aim to capture nuances that traditional statistical methods often overlook. This book demonstrates how to employ these promising tools to address criticisms raised by prominent historians and historically oriented social scientists regarding the limitations of mainstream quantitative approaches.

Traditional statistical methods have struggled to adequately address the key features of good historical analysis, such as temporality, periodicity, specificity, and context. Wawro and Katznelson argue for the adoption of alternative approaches that are specifically designed to incorporate these essential elements into empirical investigations. They showcase the advantages of these techniques through replications of research that identify structural breaks and unveil temporal evolution. The authors also develop new practices for testing claims about path dependence in time-series data and discuss the potential benefits and risks of using historical approaches to enhance causal inference.

Quantitative Analysis for Historical Social Science serves as a valuable platform for dialogue between traditional qualitative scholars and applied quantitative social scientists with a focus on history. By illustrating powerful ways to advance historical social science research, this book promotes a deeper understanding of the past and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. It provides valuable insights for researchers, students, and practitioners interested in exploring the rich tapestry of historical data and employing quantitative methods to uncover new insights and perspectives.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691155043