Rare outcomes and rare causes mean most cases occupy the irrelevant zone

Evidence

The geometric interpretation is instructive for thinking about the distribution of cases in qualitative research. In terms of figure 7.2, very few cases will be situated in the top of the cube, because analysts tend to study outcomes that are rare. Within the bottom half of the cube, where most cases are located, the irrelevant space may be the single most populated area. This is true insofar as the causes of interest in qualitative research are usually not present in most cases. Likewise, assuming that one is working with a good theory, very few or no cases will fall into the disconfirming zone, leaving the other cases in the bottom half within the negative observation zone. — Gary Goertz, Social Science Concepts, 1307

Categorization

• SEED: Essay angle: why case-study literatures quietly study the tail, and what that implies for generalization.