一、导言进行合理可靠的因果推论是政治学的持久目标,科利尔、布拉迪和西赖特认为联合质性和研究方法能够有助于达到这一目标。纳撒尼尔·贝克(Nathaniel Beck)反对上述观点,这只能证明他对质性方法论的理解是过时的,应该向前发展了(Beck,2010)。~①贝克质疑科利尔等人对因果过程观察(causal process observations,简称CPOs)的看法,认为其有矛盾之处毫无逻辑可言。在贝克看来, I. INTRODUCTION A reasonably credible causal inference is a lasting goal in political science. Collier, Brady, and Wright argue that joint qualitativeness and research methods can help achieve this goal. Nathaniel Beck’s objections to this view can only prove that his understanding of qualitative methodologies is outdated and should move forward (Beck, 2010). Baker questioned the view of Collier et al. On causal process observations (CPOs) that there was no logical reason for their inconsistency. In Baker’s opinion,