TY - JOUR
T1 - An introduction to comparing comparative methodologies
T2 - A framework for understanding pitfalls and operationalizing promises
AU - Wiseman, Alexander W.
AU - Popov, Nikolay
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2015 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Systematic, consistent, and holistic reflection on comparative methodologies across different disciplines and fields is rare. This chapter, however, develops a framework for both understanding and operationalizing comparative research. First, the basic characteristics of comparison and how it is used in social science research is described. Then, the benefits of comparing for identifying similarities versus differences and the contexts that determine the appropriateness of comparison are discussed. Next, several questions are posed that serve as guides in the operationalization of both the promises and the pitfalls of comparison. Finally, these questions are used to frame both conceptual and practical approaches to inter- as well as intra-disciplinary comparative research.
AB - Systematic, consistent, and holistic reflection on comparative methodologies across different disciplines and fields is rare. This chapter, however, develops a framework for both understanding and operationalizing comparative research. First, the basic characteristics of comparison and how it is used in social science research is described. Then, the benefits of comparing for identifying similarities versus differences and the contexts that determine the appropriateness of comparison are discussed. Next, several questions are posed that serve as guides in the operationalization of both the promises and the pitfalls of comparison. Finally, these questions are used to frame both conceptual and practical approaches to inter- as well as intra-disciplinary comparative research.
KW - Comparative methods
KW - Comparative reflection
KW - Comparative research
KW - Comparative science
KW - Methodological nationalism
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84929243022&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/S1479-367920140000026001
DO - 10.1108/S1479-367920140000026001
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84929243022
SN - 1479-3679
VL - 26
SP - 1
EP - 11
JO - International Perspectives on Education and Society
JF - International Perspectives on Education and Society
ER -