QCA & the Robustness range of calibration thresholds: how sensitive are solution terms to changing calibrations?

Calibration procedures in Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) rely on evaluation of cases, which necessarily entails a subjective element of interpretation. This questions the reliability of the inferences draw. To what extent are tests of sufficiency contingent on the researchers’ choice of calibration? The concept robustness range is introduced to illuminate this question. Robustness range is tentatively defined as the calibration boundary within which solution terms and cases remain the same. Applying this concept in research practice increases transparency and adds to our methodological repertoire.