2. Table of Contents
● Definition
● Causality
● Case Selection
● Selection of Many Countries
● Challenging Data Analysis
● Coding of Observations
● Subjectivity
● Problem of Funding & Financing
● Questions.
● Conclusion
● References.
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3. Definition:
Comparative research method can be defined as a research methodology in which aspects
of social science or life are examined across different cultures or countries. It is a form of
qualitative approach or analysis in which different types of methods like case study
analysis are used by the researchers to elucidate the similarities and differences between
the entities or countries. Comparative research method combines theory or theoretical
concepts with data collection (Given, 2008). Cross-national comparison is a common
application of comparative research method in qualitative analysis.
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4. Causality:
Causality is a major issue faced in comparative
research. Under causality comparative research,
researchers focus on identifying causes of differences
and similarities existing in two statements or groups of
individuals. Researchers may make errors in
determining the exact cause of the problem in
comparative research due to the absence of a common
scale for applying both cases (Smelser, 2013).
Example: A research was conducted by xxx for
identifying what differences in abilities are caused by
gender. There is a possibility of researcher errors in
identifying the exact differences in abilities that are
caused by gender. 4
5. Case Selection:
Case selection is the most critical problem with
comparative research. In the case of cross-
national comparative research, the cases are pre-
selected because of political and historical
processes. The taken for granted concept of
selection of case in research affects the results.
This may contain irrelevant cases that significantly
impact the results (Azarian, 2011).
Example: In cross-national comparative research
the researchers must take cases of limited
alternatives. This way, the target population is
also certain. This can affect the research results.
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6. The selection of too many countries for comparison at once is also a mistake made by researchers. As per the rules of
comparative research, the number of countries must be limited. This is because it can be challenging for the researchers to
perform a comparative study between too many countries in a subjective manner. This type of comparative study is
usually very lengthy, so the chance of errors is always high. For instance, in the case of comparative study between
European countries, this issue can be addressed by selecting the countries in limited number (Belk, 2007).
Challenging Data Analysis:
In the case of qualitative comparative research, data analysis is a challenging task for the researchers due to
the lack of facts and figures. Along with this, it is expected that different countries are defined categories of
variables in different manners that can create problems for the researcher when performing a comparative
research between economic developments of these countries (Francis, Robbins and Astley, 2009). For
example, poverty is defined in different manners by countries across the world, so it can be a challenge when
the economic status of Canada is compared with any Asian countries.
Selection of many Countries:
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7. Coding of Observations:
The coding of observations taken from different cases
is also a serious issue for the researchers because
any mistake in coding the data can influence the
validity and accuracy of findings. Most of the
researchers are unaware of the key coding and data
management techniques when focusing on subjective
data for a cross-national comparative study. For
example in the case of a cross-national survey
between the USA and various countries of Latin
America, demographic and other categories of
variables vary from one country to another (Belk,
2007). In this situation, it can be challenging for the
researchers to select a suitable instrument for coding
of observations taken from qualitative surveys. 7
8. Subjectivity:
Qualitative comparative method is subjective in nature because it includes information gathering mainly
from case studies. Subjectivity is also a potential issue in using comparative research method especially in the case of
economic comparison between two countries. For example, a cross-country comparative study may face problems when
using only information from case studies for comparison purposes. This issue can be addressed if research design and
data collection methods are selected as per the nature and requirements of the study (Given, 2008).
Problem of Funding and Financing:
In most of the cases, comparative researches are conducted between two countries. The financial resources available for
conducting research differ from country to country, as funding agencies have their own agendas. In this context, the topic
selected may attract the interest of funding agencies in one country but may not secure funding elsewhere (Smelser,
2013).Example: A study that is going to be conducted between two European countries is ideal, as it will not face the
problem of different agendas of funding agencies. But, in the case that the second country is a non-European country, the
researcher may face the problem of gaining approval
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9. Problem in Accessing Comparable Data:
Comparative research seeks access to national records for acquiring qualitative information regarding
trends and developments in an economy. In some of the countries, the national records may be far from
accessible. The information in some researches on certain topics may be obtained through tailor-made
surveys, but in others, comparison becomes difficult due to limited access or non-existent information
sources (Niessen and Peschar, 2013). Example: x conducts a research between a European country and
an African country. Research failed due to non-availability of qualitative information in the African country.
Questions:
What is the underplaying goal of comparative research?
What are the common mistakes when using qualitative comparative research?
How mistakes can be avoided in comparative research?
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10. Conclusions:
Case study-based comparative study.
Several challenges associated with qualitative comparative research.
Subjectivity, causality and difference in parameters considered as main problems.
References:
Azarian, R. (2011) Potentials and Limitations of Comparative Method in Social Science, International Journal of
Humanities and Social Science, 1(4), pp. 113-125.
Belk, R.W. (2007) Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Marketing. London: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Francis. L.J., Robbins, M. and Astley, J. (2009) Empirical Theology in Texts and Tables: Qualitative, Quantitative and
Comparative Perspectives. USA: BRILL.
Given, L.M. (2008) The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. UK: SAGE Publications.
Niessen, M., and Peschar, J. (2013) Comparative Research on Education: Overview, Strategy and Applications in
Eastern and Western Europe. USA: Elsevier.
Smelser, N.J. (2013) Comparative Methods in the Social Sciences. USA: Quid Pro Books.
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