Comparative Research Methods

Abstract

In this entry, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of comparative research. We outline the major obstacles in terms of building a comparative theoretical framework, collecting good-quality data and analyzing those data, and we also explicate the advantages and research questions that can be addressed when taking a comparative approach. Additionally, the entry discusses statistical techniques that can be used to analyze quantitative comparative data, and we end with a discussion on how globalization impacts comparative (mainly cross-national) research, as well as how such trends might call for the integration of research with multiple research units at multiple levels.