ResearchMethods/ResearchDesign/Comparative

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International Studies often compares different countries and tries to explain the differences between them. This is referred to as 'the comparative method'.


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The scientific method in comparative politics

Watch the next video, which explains the main tenants of the scientific method in comparative politics.



‘The scientific method in comparative politics’(10:45)


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Reflection Activity: comparative studies
  • Find a paper: choose a journal in your discipline area, search for a paper that reports on a comparitive study. Read it and share your answers to the following questions in the discussion forum.
  • What type of comparative design has been used? Do you think it's appropriate for the research question? Why or why not?
  • How would a comparative study inform your research question?



Comparative politics: key points

  • Two ways to compare two cases:
    • Both cases have different attributes, but the same outcomes
    • Both cases have similar attributes, but different outcomes