Measuring stability and structural breaks: Applications in social sciences

Abstract

Several theoretical and methodological works have helped to clarify a number of principles of data analysis. The application of this knowledge in social studies when investigating stability and structural breaks needs a clear roadmap. This article suggests methodological frameworks that use structured knowledge on volatility and stability. It explains principles of measure selection per se and regarding research interest and relates these principles to statistical methods. The paper makes recommendations for practitioners concerned with variation issues on model and method selection.