Comparative method/thought experiment

Method

1. ID 2 groups of people alike in all major ways except the variable you’re interested in

2. Compare the groups to see if the variable has any effect on them

Practicality

• :)

  • Cheap

  • Quick

  • Can be used to study the past

• :(

  • Can’t control variables, so don’t know if have actually discovered the true cause & effect relationship

Ethics

• :)

  • No issues involved as aren’t interacting with live human beans most of the time

Theoretical

• :)

  • For positivists as shows clear cause and effect relationships

• :(

  • For intepretivists as relies on official stats etc. which are invalid