Page 1: Introduction to Comparative Methods

The Importance of Comparison

• Comparative Politics Definition: Unique field defined in terms of a method, compared to other political science fields.

• Rationale for Comparison:

  • Useful skill beyond comparative politics; facilitates understanding of individual characteristics of cultures.

  • Quote by Fernand Braudel: Living in a place does not offer full understanding without comparisons.

The Challenge of Open-Mindedness

• Learning to Compare:

  • Requires open-mindedness to understand differences/similarities.

  • Open-mindedness comes from personal commitment and cannot be completely taught.

• Ethnocentrism:

  • Defined as the belief that one’s own culture is the standard for judging others, leading to bias.

  • To counter ethnocentrism, exposure to diverse cultures through comparison is essential.

Page 2: Critical Thinking and Comparison

Critical Thinking Defined

• Understanding Critical Thinking:

  • Involves careful, reflective evaluation rather than being judgmental.

  • Outcomes of superficial comparisons can lead to distorted analyses.

• Daniel J. Kurland's Perspective: Critical thinking involves:

  • Following evidence, considering various perspectives, weighing motives and biases, being self-reflective, etc.

The Role of Comparative Analysis for Critical Thinking

• Framework for Critical Thinking:

  • Comparative analysis encourages rigorous methodologies that align with critical thinking practices.

Page 3: Strategies of Comparing

Different Comparative Analysis Methods

• No Best Method:

  • Various strategies exist; choice should align with research questions and goals.

• Practical Questions Addressed:

  • How to choose cases? How many cases to compare? Advantages/disadvantages of methods?

Comparative Research Design Logic

• Imperfect but Valuable:

  • Understanding logic is key; two main strategies:

  • Most Similar Systems (MSS): Identify similar systems to find differences that explain variations in outcomes.

  • Most Different Systems (MDS): Compare dissimilar systems on a common outcome to find key similarities.

Page 4: Most Similar Systems (MSS) Design

Understanding MSS

• Definition: Comparing systems with many similarities but key differences when analyzing a particular issue.

• Examples: Scandinavian countries for social democracy; US and UK for political systems.

Case Example: US and Canada

• Research Question: Analyzing why homicide rates differ between the US and Canada despite many similarities.

• Control for Variables: Holding constant several aspects such as GDP, political systems, etc., to isolate differences.

Limitations of MSS Design

• Challenges: Drawing conclusions from two similar cases doesn’t prove causation, potential oversight of other influencing factors.

Page 5: Most Different Systems (MDS) Design

Understanding MDS

• Contrasting Logic: Search for similarities across dissimilar systems regarding a common outcome.

• Example: Compare societal characteristics across Zuni, Swedish, and Russian systems in terms of suicide rates.

MDS Illustration: Uncovering Key Similarities

• Example from Skocpol: Comparative analysis of revolutionary activity in France, Russia, and China, emphasizing similar processes despite systemic differences.

Page 6: Conclusion on Comparative Strategies

General Caution in Methodology

• Cautious Comparison: Researchers must be careful with claims based on limited comparisons; reflect on advantages and disadvantages inherent in chosen methods.

• Summary of Approaches: Recognize established methods (MSS & MDS) but also promote flexibility with mixed design possibilities.

Mixed Design Example

• Definition: Incorporate elements from different comparative approaches to strengthen the research framework.

• Application to Political Research: Suggest planning mixed strategies to address complex inquiry into social issues like gun violence.