TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparative research: Persistent problems and promising solutions
AU - Mills, M.C.
AU - van de Bunt, G.G.
AU - de Bruijn, J.G.M.
PY - 2006
Y1 - 2006
N2 - The enduring importance and utility of comparative research in sociology are as old as the discipline itself. Although comparative research flourishes within this discipline, methodological problems persist. After defining comparative research, this article outlines some of its central problems, including: (1) case selection, unit, level and scale of analysis; (2) construct equivalence; (3) variable or case orientation; and (4) causality. The discussion finishes with a brief introduction of the critical and innovative articles within this special issue that not only address these problems, but also present promising solutions. © International Sociological Association.
AB - The enduring importance and utility of comparative research in sociology are as old as the discipline itself. Although comparative research flourishes within this discipline, methodological problems persist. After defining comparative research, this article outlines some of its central problems, including: (1) case selection, unit, level and scale of analysis; (2) construct equivalence; (3) variable or case orientation; and (4) causality. The discussion finishes with a brief introduction of the critical and innovative articles within this special issue that not only address these problems, but also present promising solutions. © International Sociological Association.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/33747178067
UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33747178067&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0268580906067833
DO - 10.1177/0268580906067833
M3 - Article
SN - 0268-5809
VL - 21
SP - 619
EP - 631
JO - International Sociology
JF - International Sociology
IS - 5
ER -