RESEARCH PAPERS

Exploration and Practice of Qualitative Comparative Analysis Methods Integrating Tree Models

  • Li Xinyue ,
  • Lian Jingwen ,
  • Xue Xiang ,
  • Zhu Qinghua
Expand
  • 1 School of Information Management, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023;
    2 School of Elderly Care Services and Management, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023
Li Xinyue, doctoral candidate; Lian Jingwen, doctoral candidate, corresponding author, E-mail: jwlian@smail.nju.edu.cn; Xue Xiang, PhD, lecturer; Zhu Qinghua, professor, PhD, doctoral supervisor.

Received date: 2024-07-19

  Revised date: 2024-11-09

  Online published: 2025-06-21

Supported by

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China project titled “Study on the Mechanism and Collaborative Governance of Misinformation Dissemination of Health Information in Social Media” (Grant No. 72174083).

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] In the context of the new era, the emergence of complex social issue poses higher demands and more urgent needs for the design and application of mixed research methods. Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), as an important analytical tool for complex social problems, has been widely applied in the field of information resource management. However, existing research has certain limitations in terms of condition selection and data calibration. Therefore, the study seeks to refine the QCA approach through the incorporation of tree models, with the objective of bolstering the robustness and precision of empirical QCA studies. [Method/Process] This study first systematically reviewed the current applications of QCA in the field of information resource management. Next, by comparing and summarizing the principles and characteristics of both methods, the logical feasibility and theoretical basis of improving the QCA method using tree models were distilled. Finally, using the example of elder adults online health information seeking behavior, this study specifically explored the practical application of this novel method. [Result/Conclusion] This study opens up new research avenues for the tree model-based QCA method within the realm of information resource management. It offers fresh approaches, techniques, and viewpoints for tackling intricate research challenges, constructing theories from large-scale data analysis, and innovatively designing mixed-method studies.

Cite this article

Li Xinyue , Lian Jingwen , Xue Xiang , Zhu Qinghua . Exploration and Practice of Qualitative Comparative Analysis Methods Integrating Tree Models[J]. Library and Information Service, 2025 , 69(13) : 43 -55 . DOI: 10.13266/j.issn.0252-3116.2025.13.004

References

[1] 陆伟. 采故纳新继往开来——评《情报学研究方法与技术体系》[J]. 图书情报工作, 2021, 65(21): 20-22. (LU W. Adopting the past and absorbing the new, charring forward the cause and forging ahead into the future: a book review of taxonomy of research methods and technologies in intelligence studies[J]. Library and information service, 2021, 65(21): 20-22.)
[2] 盛昭瀚, 于景元.复杂系统管理: 一个具有中国特色的管理学新领域[J]. 管理世界, 2021, 37(6): 36-50, 2. (SHENG Z H, YU J. Complex systems management: an emerging management science with Chinese characteristics[J]. Journal of management world, 2021, 37(6): 36-50, 2.)
[3] 池毛毛, 杜运周, 王伟军. 组态视角与定性比较分析方法: 图书情报学实证研究的新道路[J]. 情报学报, 2021, 40(4): 424-434. (CHI M M, DU Y Z, WANG W J. Configurational perspective and qualitative comparative analysis: the new way of empirical research in library and information science[J]. Journal of the China Society for Scientific and Technical Information, 2021, 40(4): 424-434.)
[4] 朱庆华, 赵宇翔. 情报学中混合方法研究的理论探索和应用[J]. 情报学报, 2013, 32(12): 1236-1247. (ZHU Q H, ZHAO Y X. Theoretical exploration and application of mixed methods research in information science[J]. Journal of the China Society for Scientific and Technical Information, 2013, 32(12): 1236-1247.)
[5] RAGIN C C. The comparative method: moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies[M]. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1987.
[6] FISS P C. Building better causal theories: a fuzzy set approach to typologies in organization research[J]. Academy of management journal, 2011, 54(2): 393-420.
[7] 杜运周, 贾良定. 组态视角与定性比较分析(QCA): 管理学研究的一条新道路[J]. 管理世界, 2017(6): 155-167. (DU Y Z, JIA L D. Configurational perspective and qualitative comparative analysis: a new path for management research[J]. Journal of management world, 2017(6): 155-167.)
[8] 邓胜利, 付少雄. 定性比较分析(QCA)在图书情报学中的应用——以网络社区健康信息搜寻影响因素研究为例[J]. 情报理论与实践, 2017, 40(12): 23-28, 11. (DENG S L, FU S X. Applying qualitative comparative analysis to library and information science: a case study of influencing factors of network community health information seeking[J]. Information studies: theory & application, 2017, 40(12): 23-28, 11.)
[9] WANG X, LUO R, LIU Y, et al. Revealing the complexity of users’ intention to adopt healthcare chatbots: a mixed-method analysis of antecedent condition configurations[J]. Information processing & management, 2023, 60(5): 103444.
[10] MAIER C, LAUMER S, TARAFDAR M, et al. Challenge and hindrance IS use stressors and appraisals: Explaining contrarian associations in post-acceptance IS use behavior[J]. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 2021, 22(6): 1590-1624.
[11] BAWACK R E, WAMBA S F, CARILLO K D A. Exploring the role of personality, trust, and privacy in customer experience performance during voice shopping: evidence from SEM and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis[J]. International journal of information management, 2021, 58: 102309.
[12] 韩啸, 马伟轩, 谯文修. 能力配置与促进政府数字化转型——来自中国城市的经验证据[J]. 情报杂志, 2023, 42(5): 200-207. (HAN X, MA W X, QIAO W X. Configure capacity to promote government digital transformation: empirical evidence from a Chinese city[J]. Journal of intelligence, 2023, 42(5): 200-207.)
[13] 陈美, 梁乙凯, 陈朝兵. 开放政府数据用户采纳意向影响机制研究[J]. 图书情报工作, 2023, 67(8): 4-17, 3. (CHEN M, LIANG Y K, CHEN C B. Research on impact mechanism of users’ adoption intention of open government data[J]. Library and information service, 2023, 67(8): 4-17, 3.)
[14] 杨洋洋, 谢雪梅. 基于QCA的网络舆情热度影响因素构型分析[J]. 情报杂志, 2019, 38(5): 142-146. (YANG Y Y, XIE X M. Configuration analysis of influencing factors of Internet public opinion based on QCA[J]. Journal of Intelligence, 2019, 38(5): 142-146.)
[15] 曾群, 黄武英. 公共图书馆短视频传播效果影响因素组态路径研究——基于120个案例的模糊集定性比较分析[J]. 图书馆学研究, 2022(7): 66-73. (ZENG Q, HUANG W Y. Research on the configuration paths of influencing factors of short video propagation effect in public library: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis based on 120 cases[J]. Research on library science, 2022(7): 66-73.)
[16] 蔡文君, 申静. 创新驱动的智库知识服务全球专业化发展研究——基于40个案例的模糊集定性比较分析(fsQCA)[J]. 情报科学, 2023, 41(5): 81-90. (CAI W J, SHEN J. Innovation-driven global professional development of knowledge service of think tank: fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis based on 40 cases (fs QCA)[J]. Information science, 2023, 41(5): 81-90.)
[17] MATTKE J, MAIER C, REIS L, et al. Herd behavior in social media: the role of Facebook likes, strength of ties, and expertise[J]. Information & management, 2020, 57(8): 103370.
[18] 郑珊珊, 张帅, 倪珍妮.大学生网络健康信息规避意图触发路径组态分析[J]. 图书馆论坛, 2024, 44(4): 166-176. (ZHENG S S, ZHANG S, NI Z N. A configuration analysis of the triggering paths of university students’ online health information avoidance intention[J]. Library tribune, 2024, 44(4): 166-176.)
[19] 余贝迪, 王益明.在线健康信息搜寻中健康焦虑增加现象研究[J]. 图书情报知识, 2020(4): 106-118. (YU B D, WANG Y M. Research on the escalation of health anxiety in online health information seeking[J]. Documentation, information &knowledge, 2020(4): 106-118.)
[20] 晏婉暄, 艾文华, 胡广伟.偶遇信息分享行为的影响因素组态路径研究: 基于fsQCA与多元回归的双重分析[J]. 情报理论与实践, 2021, 44(11): 133-142. (YAN W X, AI W H, HU G W. Research on the influencing factors of encountering information sharing behavior: dual analysis based on fsQCA on multiple regression[J]. Information studies: theory & application, 2021, 44(11): 133-142.)
[21] MAIER C, MATTKE J, PFLUGNER K, et al. Smartphone use while driving: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of personality profiles influencing frequent high-risk smartphone use while driving in Germany[J]. International journal of information management, 2020, 55: 102207.
[22] 汤金羽, 朱学芳.面向非遗爱好者的数字资源服务模式构建[J]. 图书情报工作, 2024, 68(16): 40-49. (TANG J Y, ZHU X F. Construction of digital resource modes for enthusiasts of intangible cultural heritage[J]. Library and information service, 2024, 68(16): 40-49.)
[23] 马续补, 孙瑶, 秦春秀.突发公共卫生事件情境下政府疫情信息公开公众满意度的影响因素组态分析[J]. 图书情报工作, 2024, 68(14): 79-94. (MA X B, SUN Y, QIN C X. Configuration analysis of influencing factors of the public satisfaction with government epidemic information disclosure in the context of public health emergencies[J]. Library and information service, 2024, 68(14): 79-94.)
[24] 陈晓宇, 付少雄, 邓胜利.社会化问答用户信息搜寻的影响因素研究——一种混合方法的视角[J]. 图书情报工作, 2018, 62(20): 102-111. (CHEN X Y, FU S X, DENG S L. Analyzing the influencing factors of Internet users’ information-seeking behavior: a mixed-method perspective[J] Library and information service, 2018, 62(20): 102-111.)
[25] 刘蕤, 余佳琪. 在线医疗社区中医生知识贡献行为的影响因素研究——基于SEM与fsQCA方法[J]. 情报科学, 2022, 40(3): 45-54, 62. (LIU R, YU J Q. The influencing factors of physicians’ knowledge contribution behavior in online health communities using SEM and fsQCA[J]. Information science, 2022, 40(3): 45-54, 62.)
[26] RUSSO I, CCONFENTE I. From dataset to qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)—challenges and tricky points: a research note on contrarian case analysis and data calibration[J]. Australasian marketing journal, 2019, 27(2): 129-135.
[27] 毕达天, 曹冉. 科研人员数据素养影响因素分析——基于SEM及fsQCA方法[J]. 情报学报, 2021, 40(1): 11-20. (BI D T, CAO R. Analysis of factors that influence researchers’ data literacy using SEM and fsQCA[J]. Journal of the China Society for Scientific and Technical Information, 2021, 40(1): 11-20.)
[28] 曹坡, 梁悦悦, 刘蕤. 信息疫情背景下公众的纠正类健康信息采纳意愿研究——基于SEM与fsQCA方法[J]. 现代情报, 2022, 42(12): 83-95. (CAO P, LIANG Y Y, LIU R. Exploring the cognitive factors of corrective health information adoption intention in infodemic using SEM and fsQCA[J]. Journal of modern information, 2022, 42(12): 83-95.)
[29] 张旭东, 刘洋. 组态视角下元宇宙图书馆用户接受意愿影响因素研究[J]. 图书馆理论与实践, 2023(3): 73-85. (ZHANG X D, LIU Y. Research on the influencing factors of user acceptance to metaverse library from the perspective of configuration[J]. Library theory and practice, 2023(3): 73-85.)
[30] 李力, 韩平, 张弘, 等. 启发-系统式线索对移动短视频用户健康信息采纳的影响研究——基于SEM和QCA的混合方法[J]. 农业图书情报学报, 2023, 35(1): 73-86. (LI L, HAN P, ZHANG H et al. Impacts of heuristic-systematic cues on health information adoption of mobile short video apps: based on SEM and fsQCA[J]. Journal of library and information science in agriculture.)
[31] 杜运周, 李佳馨, 刘秋辰, 等. 复杂动态视角下的组态理论与QCA方法: 研究进展与未来方向[J]. 管理世界, 2021, 37(3): 180-197, 12-13. (DU Y Z, LI J X, LIU Q C et al. Configurational theory and QCA method from a complex dynamic perspective: research progress and future directions[J]. Journal of management world, 2021, 37(3): 180-197, 12-13.)
[32] RIHOUX B, RAGIN C C. Configurational comparative methods: qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques[M]. California: Sage, 2008.
[33] SCHNEIDER C Q, WAGEMANN C. Set-theoretic methods for the social sciences: a guide to qualitative comparative analysis[M]. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
[34] DE MEUR G, RIHOUX B. L’analyse quali-quantitative comparée (AQQC-QCA): approche, techniques et applications en sciences humaines [M]. L’Harmattan: Science Politique, 2002.
[35] 张驰, 郑晓杰, 王凤彬.定性比较分析法在管理学构型研究中的应用:述评与展望[J]. 外国经济与管理, 2017, 39(4): 68-83. (ZHANG C, ZHENG X J, WANG F B. The application of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) in configuration research in business administration field: commentary and future directions[J] Foreign economics & management, 2017, 39(4): 68-83.)
[36] 李雯欣.虚拟学术社区用户知识保留研究[D]. 南昌: 华东交通大学, 2022. (LI W X. Users’ knowledge withholding in virtual academic community[D]. Nanchang: East China Jiaotong University, 2022.)
[37] DAVIES R. Where there is no single Theory of Change: the uses of decision tree models[EB/OL]. [2025-01-29]. https://www.mande.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/Decision-Trees-and-ToCs-Vs-20121227-NPW1-1.pdf.
[38] 孙永强.基于构型视角的信息行为研究:研究主题、理论构建与分析方法[J]. 信息资源管理学报, 2019, 9(3): 4-17. (Sun Y Q. Information behavior research from a configurational perspective: research topics, theory development, and analysis approach[J]. Journal of information resources management, 2019, 9(3): 4-17.)
[39] HUANG Q. Towards machine-learning enhanced QCA: optimizing coverage and empirical significance [EB/OL]. [2025-01-12]. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4771129.
[40] DOUGLAS E J, SHEPHERD D A, PRENTICE C. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis for a finer-grained understanding of entrepreneurship[J]. Journal of business venturing, 2020, 35(1): 105970.
[41] 中华人民共和国中央人民政府. 国务院印发《国家积极应对人口老龄化中长期规划》[EB/OL]. [2025-01-18]. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2019-11/21/content_5454347.htm.
[42] 中华人民共和国中央人民政府. 国务院印发《“健康中国2030”规划纲要》[EB/OL]. [2025-01-18]. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2016-10/25/content_5124174.htm.
[43] 工业和信息化部民政部.国家卫生健康委关于印发《智慧健康养老产业发展行动计划(2021-2025年)》的通知[EB/OL]. [2025-01-18]. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-10/23/content_5644434.htm.
[44] 中国互联网络信息中心. 第53次中国互联网络发展状况统计报告[R/OL]. [2025-01-10]. https://www.cnnic.cn/NMediaFile/2024/0325/MAIN1711355296414FIQ9XKZV63.pdf.
[45] GHWEEBA M, LINDENMEYER A, SHISHI S, et al. What predicts online health information-seeking behavior among Egyptian adults? a cross-sectional study[J]. Journal of medical Internet research, 2017, 19(6): e216.
[46] ZHAO Y C, ZHAO M, SONG S. Online health information seeking behaviors among older adults: systematic scoping review[J]. Journal of medical Internet research, 2022, 24(2): e34790.
[47] CHOI N G, DINITTO D M, LEE O E K, et al. Internet and health information technology use and psychological distress among older adults with self-reported vision impairment: case-control study[J]. Journal of medical Internet research, 2020, 22(6): e17294.
[48] WATERWORTH S, HONEY M. Online health seeking activity of older adults: an integrative review of the literature[J]. Geriatric nursing, 2018, 39(3): 310-317.
[49] 刘嫣, 张海涛, 李佳玮,等.移动终端视角下的老年用户在线健康信息搜寻行为影响因素研究[J]. 图书情报工作, 2021, 65(11): 46-54. (LIU Y, ZHANG H T, LI J W, et al., Research on influencing factors of online health information search behaviors of elderly users from the perspective of mobile terminals[J]. Library and information service, 2021, 65(11): 46-54.)
[50] RAGIN C C. Redesigning social inquiry: fuzzy sets and beyond[M]. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009.
[51] ORDANINI A, PARASURAMAN A, RUBERA G. When the recipe is more important than the ingredients: a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of service innovation configurations[J]. Journal of service research, 2014, 17(2): 134-149.
[52] PAPPAS I O, KOUROUTHANASSIS P E, GIANNAKOS M N, et al. Explaining online shopping behavior with fsQCA: the role of cognitive and affective perceptions[J]. Journal of business research, 2016, 69(2): 794-803.
[53] MIKALEF P, PATELI A. Information technology-enabled dynamic capabilities and their indirect effect on competitive performance: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA[J]. Journal of business research, 2017, 70: 1-16.
[54] 张力, 唐健辉, 刘永涛, 等.中外图书情报学研究方法量化比较[J]. 中国图书馆学报, 2012, 38(2): 21-27. (ZHANG L, TANG J H, LIU Y T, et al. An informetric comparison on LIS methodology between Chinese and Foreign articles[J]. Journal of library science in China, 2012, 38(2): 21-27.)
[55] 张洋, 朱嘉麒, 王媛媛, 等. 图情学科研究的范式思考——以科学评价为例[J]. 图书情报工作, 2021, 65(12): 20-26. (ZHANG Y, ZHU J Q, WANG Y Y, et al. Reflections on the research paradigm in library & information science: a case study of scientific evaluation[J]. Library and information service, 2021, 65(12): 20-26.)
[56] GOERTZ G, MAHONEY J. A tale of two cultures: qualitative and quantitative research in the social sciences[M]. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2012.
[57] 陈传夫, 马浩琴. 图书情报学现实研究中科学方法应用的调查分析——以2010年的期刊论文为样本[J]. 图书馆论坛, 2011, 31(6): 32-37, 67. (CHEN C F, MA H Q. Survey research on implementation of research methods in library and information science: take the journal articles of 2010 as sample[J]. Library tribune, 2011, 31(6): 32-37, 67.)
[58] 谢雨杉, 柯青.图书情报学混合方法的应用情境及协同策略研究——以四种图情学刊为例[J]. 情报科学, 2023, 41(3): 164-172. (XIE Y S, KE Q. Study on the application context and collaboration strategy of mixed methods in library and information science: taking four LIS journals as an example[J]. Information science, 2023, 41(3): 164-172.)
Outlines

/

〈 〉