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Comparative Research

Persistent Problems and Promising Solutions

Melinda Mills

University of Groningen

Gerhard G. van de Bunt

Jeanne de Bruijn

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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.

Key Words: comparative analysis • methodological problems • quantitative and qualitative methods • small-N research design

International Sociology, Vol. 21, No. 5, 619-631 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0268580906067833
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