Of Barriers to Entry for Medium and Large n Multiple Streams Applications: Methodological and Conceptual Considerations

Recent literature reviews on contributions applying the multiple streams framework (MSF) concluded that although the framework is prolific, there is a lack of contributions testing it in a larger sample size. By addressing which barriers to entry medium and large n MSF applications face and by suggesting ways to handle them, we aim at providing researchers with a benchmark contribution for developing MSF‐guided research designs based on a medium to a high number of cases. Building on an overview of the few existing medium and large n MSF studies, we address three challenges researchers must deal with: (1) choice of dependent variables and case selection; (2) operationalization and measurement of the framework's (predominantly figurative) key concepts; and (3) choice of a method that corresponds with the framework's research questions. In the latter regard, we focus on the pros and cons of employing regression analysis and qualitative comparative analysis. We conclude that although the barriers to entry are high for testing the MSF in a larger sample size, they are not insurmountable. 摘要 近年来关于应用多源流框架（MSF）的文献评述表明, 虽然围绕该框架的理论贡献颇丰, 但是仍然缺乏在大样本数据上的检验。针对应用 MSF 所面临的大中量样本适用困难的问题, 我们提出处理这一问题的解决办法。借此, 我们旨在为研究者提供一个参考标准, 来指导如何设计基于 MSF 的对于大中量样本的研究。基于现有 MSF 文献中对于大中量样本的有限研究, 我们提出, 研究者必须解决以下三个问题：1）如何选择因变量和目标案例；2）如何处理并量化框架（主要指抽象框架）中的核心概念；以及3）如何选择与研究问题相对应的研究方法。针对最后一个问题, 我们主要集中于回归分析与定性比较分析（QCA）两种研究方法的优缺点。我们最后得出的结论是, 虽然在大样本数据中检验 MSF 较为困难, 但是这一困难并非无法被克服。