Process Tracing and Elite Interviewing: A Case for Non-probability Sampling

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between the method of process tracing and the data collection technique of elite interviewing. The process tracing method has become an increasingly used and cited tool in qualitative research, a trend that has recently accelerated with the publication of Alexander George and Andrew Bennett's text (2005), Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences. That book outlines and explores the process tracing method in detail, highlighting its advantages for exploring causal processes and analyzing complex decision-making. Yet while the book presents a rigorous and compelling account of the process tracing method and its critical importance to case study research, the value of the method itself remains contested in some quarters, and there are aspects of George and Bennett's treatment of it that require further exploration.

Stakeholders’ perception of the nutrition and health claim regulation

“…In line with the theoretical framework set forth above, the four groups of stakeholders that are affected by the NHCR through different positions were approached: industrials, regulatory experts, nutritional scientists and consumer representatives (Freeman, 1984). Since this study focuses specifically on the NHCR and processes related to the NHCR and concentrates on food products containing antioxidants, key players were identified and by means of purposive sampling invited to participate in this study (Tansey, 2007). Although this type of non-probability sampling could limit the generalizability of results, the number of experts in the field is very limited and to reach the objective of this study, this methodology is considered to be appropriate (Lucas, 2014;Tansey, 2007).…”

“…Since this study focuses specifically on the NHCR and processes related to the NHCR and concentrates on food products containing antioxidants, key players were identified and by means of purposive sampling invited to participate in this study (Tansey, 2007). Although this type of non-probability sampling could limit the generalizability of results, the number of experts in the field is very limited and to reach the objective of this study, this methodology is considered to be appropriate (Lucas, 2014;Tansey, 2007). The identified key players were invited to participate in the study by e-mail.…”

“…Following the conducted interviews, each interviewee was asked to suggest possible participants to ensure a sufficient amount of stakeholders (Tansey, 2007). These individuals were, if not involved in the study already, contacted to participate.…”

“…These individuals were, if not involved in the study already, contacted to participate. Although such snowball sampling is suggested to give a higher chance for participation of experts with more social connections, the small amount of experts in the field of antioxidants led to the need to include this type of sampling to ensure sufficient participants to reach the objective of the study (Lucas, 2014;Tansey, 2007). Even though most interviewees suggested already participating stakeholders, new participants were invited until no new findings were extracted in the data analysis from the conducted interviews and therefore the point of saturation was reached, leading to 14 participants in this study (Mason, 2010;Tansey, 2007).…”

Le transport actif à Ottawa (Canada) face à des obstacles politiques tenaces

“…Des entrevues d'une durée d'une à trois heures ont été menées, entre juin 2015 et juillet 2016, auprès de 21 personnes considérées comme des expertes dans la promotion du TA à Ottawa. Après une première série d'entretiens auprès de leaders reconnus de la promotion du TA, un processus de chaîne de réfé-rence (Tansey, 2007) Nous avons ainsi élaboré une chronologie des événements marquants tenant compte des facteurs politiques liés à la promotion du TA à Ottawa, qui a permis d'identifier que les paramètres relativement stables de l'ACF constituent des défis pour la promotion du TA. Nous avons alors mené une analyse documentaire plus poussée pour vérifier et préciser les commentaires des participants.…”