Set‐theoretic Multimethod Research: The Role of Test Corridors and Conjunctions for Case Selection

Set‐theoretic multimethod research (SMMR) using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) formalizes the choice of cases based on a truth table analysis. We make three recommendations for improving SMMR. First, current standards can lead to faulty case selection if causal inference on a conjunction is the goal. Case selection needs to take into account that the non‐members of a conjunction might be empirically diverse and that only selected types of non‐members are ideal for causal inference. Second, we formally show that cases with similar fuzzy‐set memberships in a term and the outcome are the superior choice for process tracing. They minimize the expected membership in the mechanism and make it most difficult to pass a hypothesis test. Third, we propose formulas that comply with all SMMR principles and identify the best pairs of cases for analysis. We illustrate our arguments with a study of the effectiveness of sanctions against authoritarian regimes.     

Puncture wounds caused by glass mistaken for with stab wounds with a knife

Three cases are presented where fatal puncture wounds caused by broken glass were very similar to stab wounds inflicted by a knife with a single-edged blade. Thus, all three cases caused a murder investigation to be initiated. It could only be determined that these wounds had been caused by glass after a detailed forensic autopsy. In two of the three cases, the only evidence for this was the identification of glass fragments in the wounds. The importance of X-ray examinations is underlined because modern glass in common use is radiopaque. Glass fragments lodged in the wounds can reduce the loss of blood and thus, prolong the capacity to act despite severe injuries.     

比较犯罪学：目的、方法与结论

在以往的三十年内 ,比较犯罪学已经由一种经验性操作转变为一门理论学科。比较犯罪学的多项研究是在 2 0世纪八九十年代进行的 ,这些研究显示 ,犯罪形态上的差异在很大程度上取决于社会、经济、国家政治结构、宗教以及文化等方面的差异 ,而且 ,可以发现 ,社会经济发展与犯罪增长之间存在联系。由于许多国家 (尤其是亚洲国家 )目前正在由传统农业社会向工业社会转型 ,认识这一点显得至关重要。本文要讨论的是比较犯罪学的目的、方法及其理论 ,但对于拉美国家的“解放者犯罪学”运动特别给予了关注。     

Umwelt in schlechter Verfassung?

Im Koalitionsvertrag der gro?en Koalition ist eine F?deralismusreform bis in die Details der geplanten Verfassungs?nderung hinein vereinbart und – wie gewünscht – mit wenigen ?nderungen durch Bundestag und Bundesrat verabschiedet worden. Die wissenschaftliche Kritik, die Kritik aus den Wirtschafts- und den Umweltverb?nden sowie aus Berufsverb?nden insbesondere an der Reform der Verteilung der Gesetzgebungskompetenzen für den Umweltschutz hatte gegen die politischen Absprachen zwischen gro?er Koalition und den Bundesl?ndern keine Chance. Nachfolgend wird die Neuordnung der Gesetzgebungskompetenzen für den Umweltschutz analysiert, wobei die Verfasser insgesamt zu einer skeptischen Einsch?tzung gelangen.     

Catch me if you care: International development organizations and national corruption

The Review of International Organizations - Many international development organizations (IDOs) have officially mandated anti-corruption criteria for aid selectivity. Substantial debate remains...