Process Tracing Technique: A Critique of Within-Case Inference in Iranian Social Studies (Reconstructing, Testing, and Evaluating Causal Mechanisms of the Islamic Revolution of Iran)

Authors

1 , Postdoctoral Researcher in Sociology - Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Full Professor of Sociology - Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

10.22034/jsi.2026.2050912.1766
Abstract
The Present Study Aims to Familiarize Iranian Researchers with the Process Tracing Technique as the Most Important Method for Achieving within-Case Inference in Single-Case Research. It also Emphasizes Reconstruction, Testing, and Evaluation of the Causal Mechanisms of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. The Method of the Present Research is the Process Tracing Technique. The Findings Show that First, by Using the Process Tracing Guidelines for Explaining the Outcome, it is Possible to Redefine the Causal Mechanisms of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Based on a Systematic Definition and to Transparently Open the Black Box Between Factors (X) and Outcome (Y). Second, the Process Tracing Technique and Allow for Testing and Evaluation of each Part of the Causal Mechanisms of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Determines the Rate of Updating the Researcher's Degree of Confidence in Their Validity.

Keywords

Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 September 2026