Comparative Research Designs and Methods from edX

This course is part of the IPSAMOOC project, a joint venture Federica Weblearning - IPSA, the International Political Science Association

Emile Durkheim, one of the founders of modern empirical social science, once stated that the comparative method is the only one that suits the social sciences. But Descartes hadposited that "comparaison n'est pas raison," which means that comparison is not reason (or theory) by itself. So what's the right answer?

This course provides an introduction and overview of systematic comparative analysis in the social sciences, and shows you how to use this method for constructive explanation and theory building.

A major portion of the course is devoted to new approaches and software that have been developed in recent yearsto handle highly complex cases. Such cases includecomparisons of EU member states, Latin American political systems,and particular policy areas. Procedures such as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and related methods are able to reduce complexity and to arrive at "configurational" solutions based on set theory and Boolean algebra. These are more meaningful in this context thancommonly used, broad-based statistical methods.

Inthe last section, these methods are contrasted with more common statistical comparative methods at the macro-level. We'll discuss various states or societies and their respective strengths and weaknesses.

What's inside

Learning objectives

An understanding of systematic comparative analysis and why it is more useful than other broad-based statistical methods
How to use systematic comparative analysis for constructive explanation and theory building

How to apply systematic comparative analysis to real-world politics

An understanding of systematic comparative analysis and why it is more useful than other broad-based statistical methods
How to use systematic comparative analysis for constructive explanation and theory building
How to apply systematic comparative analysis to real-world politics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores systematic comparative analysis, a valuable tool for understanding complex social issues

Taught by Dirk Berg-Schlosser, an expert in political science and comparative analysis

Utilizes advanced software and methods, such as Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), to tackle complex real-world problems

Provides a comprehensive overview of systematic comparative analysis, suitable for learners new to the topic

Reviews summary

Well-received research course

Learners say this is a well-received, useful course in research methods. It empowers students to think more creatively about their research. Students recommend this course for thinkers and doers alike.

This course is useful for arranging ideas and information and dealing with them in research.

"A good and useful course in all stages of education, especially advanced, it is useful in the arrangement of information and ideas in research work and how to deal with them"

This course empowers learners to think in innovative ways about their research.

"It opened up the mind to think of new initiatives and empowers a person to be familiar with the path to undertake a research from research idea to new findings."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Comparative Research Designs and Methods with these activities:

Organize course notes and materials

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Keeping your course materials organized will make it easier to study and review for exams.

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Create a system for organizing your notes and materials.
Regularly review and update your notes.

Participate in a peer-to-peer discussion group

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Peer discussion can be a valuable way to clarify your understanding of course concepts and get feedback on your work.

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Join a discussion group with other students in your course.
Participate in regular discussions on course topics.
Share your work with other group members for feedback.

Attend networking events for political scientists

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Networking can help you build connections with other political scientists and learn about career opportunities.

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Find networking events for political scientists.
Attend networking events.
Meet and talk with other political scientists.

Three other activities

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Apply comparative analysis to a specific case study

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Comparative analysis is a key skill in political science. Practicing this skill by applying it to a real-world case study will help you solidify your understanding and develop your analytical abilities.

Browse courses on Comparative Analysis

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Choose a specific political issue or event to focus on.
Identify the key variables that are relevant to your case study.
Collect data on these variables for a range of different countries or cases.
Analyze the data to identify patterns and relationships.
Draw conclusions about the causes and consequences of the issue or event you are studying.

Volunteer with a political organization

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Volunteering with a political organization can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and help you apply your knowledge.

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Identify a political organization that you are interested in.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training sessions.
Volunteer your time with the organization.

Develop a research proposal on a comparative analysis topic

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Research is a fundamental aspect of political science. Developing a research proposal will help you refine your research skills and identify a topic you are passionate about.

Browse courses on Comparative Politics

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Identify a specific research question that you want to investigate.
Develop a literature review that summarizes the existing research on your topic.
Design a research methodology that will allow you to collect and analyze data to answer your research question.
Write a research proposal that outlines your research question, literature review, and methodology.

Career center

Learners who complete Comparative Research Designs and Methods will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They use a variety of methods to collect data, including surveys, interviews, and observations. Sociologists use data to analyze social trends and patterns, and they develop theories to explain social phenomena. This course is a great introduction to systematic comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for sociologists who want to understand and explain complex social problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They use a variety of methods to collect data, including participant observation, interviews, and archival research. Anthropologists use data to understand cultural diversity and human universals, and they develop theories to explain human behavior. This course is a great introduction to systematic comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for anthropologists who want to understand and compare different cultures and societies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Social Sciences Researcher

Social Sciences Researchers plan and conduct research to study human behavior and society. They use a variety of methods to collect data, including surveys, interviews, and observations. Researchers analyze data to identify trends and patterns, and they develop theories to explain social phenomena. This course is a great introduction to systematic comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for social scientists who want to understand and explain complex social problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Sciences Researcher

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They use data and evidence to inform their analysis, and they work with policymakers to develop and implement effective policies. This course provides an understanding of systematic comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for policy analysts who want to understand and compare different policy approaches.

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Program Evaluator

Program Evaluators assess the effectiveness of social programs and interventions. They use data and evidence to measure the impact of programs, and they make recommendations for improvements. This course can help program evaluators develop the skills to conduct rigorous comparative analysis, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of social programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Evaluator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and analytical techniques to identify trends and patterns, and they develop visualizations to present data in a clear and concise way. This course can help data analysts develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding trends and patterns in data.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use a variety of methods to analyze economic data, including econometrics and statistical modeling. Economists use data to develop economic policies and theories that promote economic growth and stability. This course can help economists develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding economic trends and patterns.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use a variety of statistical methods to identify trends and patterns, and they develop models to predict future outcomes. Statisticians work in a wide variety of fields, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. This course can help statisticians develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding trends and patterns in data.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They use a variety of methods to collect data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Market researchers use data to develop marketing strategies and campaigns that are targeted to specific consumer groups. This course can help market researchers develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding consumer behavior and market trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Political Consultant

Political Consultants help political candidates and campaigns develop and implement campaign strategies. They use research and analysis to understand voters' needs and concerns, and they develop campaign messages and strategies that appeal to target voters. This course can help political consultants develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding voters' needs and concerns.

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Demographer

Demographers study human populations. They use a variety of methods to collect data, including surveys, censuses, and vital statistics. Demographers use data to analyze population trends and patterns, and they develop theories to explain population change. This course can help demographers develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding population trends and patterns.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data in the field of healthcare. They work with healthcare professionals to design clinical trials, analyze data from clinical trials, and develop statistical models to predict patient outcomes. This course may be useful for biostatisticians who want to develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding trends and patterns in healthcare data.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to solve problems in business and industry. They work with businesses to improve efficiency and productivity, and they develop models to optimize decision-making. This course may be useful for operations research analysts who want to develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding trends and patterns in business and industry data.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer software and systems. They use a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be useful for computer scientists who want to develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding the performance of different software systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and implement software applications. They use a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be useful for software engineers who want to develop the skills to conduct comparative analysis, which is a valuable tool for understanding the performance of different software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer