Comparative Politics and Methodology

A subfield of political science that examines domestic politics, focusing on patterns of similarities and differences between countries, and exploring the reasons behind them.

Involves comparing domestic political systems, institutions, processes, policies, conflicts and attitudes in one country or different countries.

A research approach that focuses on a single country or case to study its political system in detail.

A research approach that compares multiple countries to identify patterns and trends across different political systems.

A research question focused on understanding the reasons behind transitions from authoritarian rule to democratic governance.

A key research question in comparative politics, focusing on the dynamics and characteristics of nation-states, including their ideologies and formations

Comparative politics involves analyzing the causes and dynamics of conflicts within and between countries, including civil wars and revolutions.

It investigates the role of political parties in democratic systems, exploring how they function and their impact on political representation.

Comparative politics examines the relationship between citizens, elections, and government accountability, focusing on whether voters can effectively hold their leaders responsible.

A crucial area of study in comparative politics, focusing on the factors that contribute to the success or failure of democratic governance.

Analyzing a small number of cases (typically 2 or more) where traditional statistical methods are insufficient due to limited data.

A research method where you analyze a few cases in detail rather than focusing on a large number of cases superficially.

A method best suited for natural science research, where controlled experiments can eliminate alternative explanations.

A key limitation of the experimental method for studying Comparative Politics. Finding ways to control variables for political phenomena is challenging.

A widely used technique to analyze data from multiple countries, often relying on statistical tools to assess relationships.

A major challenge when using statistical methods in Comparative Politics, stemming from limited resources and access to information across many cases.

A research approach focused on a single country, providing in-depth details and understanding.

While case studies are powerful, they contribute less to developing broader theories due to their limited scope.

A method that leverages the strengths of small-N analysis, offering a detailed examination of a few cases with limited resources.

The comparative method is weaker than experimental or statistical methods in sorting out rival explanations and evaluating hypotheses.

Examining how different contexts, like history, culture, or colonialism, influence similar political processes.

A research approach that uses a limited number of cases, like countries, to study specific political phenomena.

A research approach that uses a large number of cases to identify general patterns and trends in political systems.

Using a research approach that focuses on individual units, such as countries, governments, or political systems, to study specific political phenomena.

Using a research approach that focuses on identifying and analyzing the factors that explain political outcomes.

Testing a theory by systematically examining the causal relationship between variables across different cases.

Demonstrating the validity of a theory by applying it to a range of cases and observing consistent patterns.

A coherent set of research methods and techniques used to compare political systems, processes, and outcomes across different countries or regions.

A research approach that focuses on cases with similar characteristics but different outcomes, aiming to uncover the factors responsible for the variation.

A research approach that focuses on cases with very different characteristics but similar outcomes, aiming to identify common underlying factors.

A comparative analysis approach where the focus is on understanding the unique characteristics of each case, contrasting a small number of cases in detail.

A comparative analysis approach aimed at identifying universal principles or patterns, seeking to establish that every instance of a phenomenon follows the same overarching rule.

A comparative analysis approach focused on identifying factors that explain systematic differences or variations in a phenomenon, exploring why cases have different outcomes.

In a most similar systems design, researchers aim to understand why cases with similar characteristics have different outcomes.

In a most different systems design, researchers aim to identify common factors that lead to similar outcomes in very different contexts.

Individualizing comparative analysis focuses on understanding the unique characteristics and nuances of specific case studies.

Universalizing comparative analysis aims to discover and establish universal principles or rules that apply to all instances of a phenomenon.

Variation finding comparative analysis focuses on pinpointing the factors that explain systematic variations or differences in a phenomenon.