The Comparative Method Moving Beyond Qualitative And...

The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies by Charles C. Ragin describes several aspects of the comparative research process. He describes in detail the strategies a comparative researcher can employ and the differences and similarities of these strategies. He notes that the comparative approach is primarily of a qualitative nature and is by its very nature different from quantitative scientific methodology based upon statistical inference. During the course of this report, Ragin’s â€Å"The Comparative Method† will be described by its major points and descriptions of comparative research. Several weaknesses will be identified and described. And finally, this report will seek to discuss how these weaknesses can be overcome or mitigated. Description of â€Å"The Comparative Method†. This book describes several components of comparative research and some factors which influences this type of research. The author first explains the Distinctiveness of Comparative social Science. He notes that the comparative method is typically used to refer to the comparison of large macro-social units. He states that he goals of comparative and non-comparative work are identical; to explain social phenomena by establishing controls over the conditions and causes of variation. Even though the underlying goals of both types of research may be the same, there is a wide gulf between qualitative and quantitative work. Regan describes this gulf as being: 1) wider inShow MoreRelatedComparative Politics Essay1392 Words   |  6 Pagesdetail the reasons why the comparative method is a necessary tool in the belt of any political scientist. Comparative politics is one of three main subfields in political science, alongside political theory and international relations. While political theory deals with theoretical issues about democracy, justice et cetera, comparative politics deals with more empirical questions. To use an example cited by Daniele Caramani in ‘Comparative Politics’ (2011), comparative politics is not interestedRead MoreThe Most Important Aspect Of Information2519 Words   |  11 PagesWithin this paper, three articles with different methods of research will be analyzed. They all are different from one another. Each article is within its’ own category. One is a qualitative study, the other is a quantitative correlational study, and the last is a treatment outcome study. In addition, in order to understand the explanation of these studies, it’s necessary to give a definition of what each study means. For example, qualitative study, according to the California State Universit yRead MoreResearch Paradigm14392 Words   |  58 Pages2 Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research LEARNING OBJECTIVES To be able to Describe the characteristics of quantitative research. List and explain the different types of variables used in quantitative research. 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(RaginRead More Social Capital in the Developing World Essay2121 Words   |  9 Pagesglobalized world today is getting very advanced in all areas and so has become very competitive. This then accommodates the use of a comparative approach in society. Comparative, an activity derived from the word comparison meaning to compare, it is defined as a research which uses data that are compared between at least two countries (Ragin, 1987). This comparative study is a very important phenomenon in the field of social science and commenced in the1960s and 1970s. It is used as an essentialRead MoreComparing and Contrasting Qualitative and Quantitative Social Research Methodology3905 Words   |  16 Pagessocial world operates through the study of human behaviour and investigates how humans interact with others in society. Research in general, is usually conducted by adopting either a qualitative or quantitative approach (Henn et al, 2006). 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Introduction The sociological effects discussed by Kuhn (1996) as to the institutionalization of knowledge paradigms, may account for the fact there is a great deal of concurrence as to the nature of both qualitative and quantitative researchRead MoreBrand Image10222 Words   |  41 PagesHow to measure brand image: a reasoned review Luca Cian, Ross Business School, University of Michigan, USA* The aim of this paper is to review the most important tools and methods used to analyse and measure the brand image. Both traditional and innovative measurements have been considered, including attitude scales, Q-Sort, Natural Grouping, Kelly Repertory Grid, Laddering, Benefit Chain, Projective Techniques, Brand Personality, and Brand Narration. Considering the number of tools presented,Read MoreQuantitative Analysis in the Health Sciences8114 Words   |  33 Pages[pic] University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing N345: Quantitative Analysis in the Health Sciences Supplementary Course Materials Steve Krantz, Ph.D. Introduction: The following materials are presented as supplementary support for the content presented in class discussions. These materials have been drawn from edited and revised materials I have used for other research and statistics courses. The information has been organized to provide learners with additional informationRead MoreManifesto for School Prefect4814 Words   |  20 PagesThe Case Study as a Research Method Uses and Users of Information -- LIS 391D.1 -- Spring 1997 Introduction Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. Researchers have used the case study research method for many years across a variety of