Rethinking Comparison: Innovative Methods for Qualitative Political Inquiry

Qualitative comparative methods are essential for studying politics, but there are few guides for non-controlled comparative research. This volume brings together chapters from leading methods scholars, revolutionizing qualitative research design by diversifying comparative methods and offering insights into political processes and outcomes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Qualitative comparative methods, particularly controlled qualitative comparisons, play a pivotal role in the study of politics. While they are not the sole means of comparison, they offer valuable insights into political processes and outcomes. However, conducting non-controlled comparative research remains a challenge, lacking comprehensive guidance. This volume brings together chapters from over a dozen esteemed methods scholars from various political science disciplines, including positivists, interpretivists, qualitative methodologists, mixed-methods researchers, ethnographers, historians, and statisticians. Their collective work revolutionizes qualitative research design by expanding the range of comparative methods accessible to students of politics. It provides readers with clear suggestions on the types of comparisons that can be made, their usefulness, and the appropriate approaches to execute them. By systematically exploring the nuances of qualitative comparisons and the insights they yield, these collected essays open up new avenues for advancing our understanding of politics.

The chapters in this volume explore a wide array of comparative methods, including case studies, ethnography, historical analysis, and multivariate statistics. They demonstrate how these methods can be applied to diverse political contexts, such as elections, policymaking, social movements, and international relations. The authors provide detailed examples and case studies to illustrate their approaches, making the book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers.

One of the key strengths of this volume is its emphasis on the ethical considerations involved in qualitative comparative research. The authors discuss the challenges of cross-cultural comparisons, power dynamics, and researcher bias, and offer practical guidelines for navigating these complexities. They also highlight the importance of reflexivity and self-awareness in the research process, ensuring that the insights generated are credible and unbiased.

Another notable aspect of the book is its focus on the theoretical implications of qualitative comparative methods. The authors explore how these methods contribute to our understanding of political phenomena, such as regime change, political institutions, and public opinion. They argue that qualitative comparisons can provide a more nuanced and complex understanding of political processes than traditional quantitative methods, which often rely on statistical models and generalizations.

In conclusion, Qualitative Comparative Methods in Political Science is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in advancing their understanding of politics. The book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to comparative research, providing insights into a wide range of political phenomena and methodologies. By systematically exploring the complexities of qualitative comparisons and the insights they yield, this volume opens up new possibilities for advancing our knowledge of politics.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108965743
Edition number: New ed