Typology (social science research method)

Typology is a composite measure that involves the classification of observations in terms of their attributes on multiple variables.^[1] Such classification is usually done on a nominal scale.^[1] Typologies are used in both qualitative and quantitative research.

An example of a typology would be classification such as by age and health: young-healthy, young-sick, old-healthy, old-sick.

Typological theorizing is the development of theories about configurations of variables that constitute theoretical types.^[2] According to Andrew Bennett and Alexander George, typological theories are useful "to address complex phenomena without oversimplifying, clarify similarities and differences among cases to facilitate comparisons, provide a comprehensive inventory of all possible kinds of cases, incorporate interactions effects, and draw attention to... kinds of cases that have not occurred."^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b Earl Babbie (1 January 2012). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning. p. 184. ISBN 1-133-04979-6.
^ ^a ^b George, Alexander L.; Bennett, Andrew (2005). Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. MIT Press. pp. 233–262. ISBN 978-0-262-30307-1. OCLC 944521872.

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[Babbie2012-184-1] Earl Babbie (1 January 2012). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning. p. 184. ISBN 1-133-04979-6.

[:0-2] George, Alexander L.; Bennett, Andrew (2005). Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. MIT Press. pp. 233–262. ISBN 978-0-262-30307-1. OCLC 944521872.

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