Natural and field experiments: The role of qualitative methods

Political scientists increasingly use natural and field experiments in their research. This raises the question—how do qualitative methods contribute to these research methodologies? I suggest here that there are strong complementarities between the use of such research designs and various kinds of qualitative methods. For example, case-based knowledge is often necessary to recognize and validate a potential natural experiment. The research skills associated with qualitative fieldwork, in turn, are often required for the implementation of field experiments. Qualitative methods can be crucial for designing experimental interventions, measuring outcomes, providing evidence on mechanisms, and even constructing random assignment mechanisms.