Mixed Methods in Comparative Politics Principles and Applications [Hardcover]

This book approaches current controversies concerning qualitative and quantitative procedures in the social sciences and incorporates new methods showing how they can supplement each other. It is based on a comprehensive international research project that readers can apply to their findings through the data set provided on the author's home page.Introduction The State of the Art of Existing Research A Case Study: Belgium Testing Major Hypotheses Comparative Research Designs Model Specification and Operationalization Establishing Similarities and Dissimilarities of Political Systems Systematic Matching and Contrasting of Cases Reduction of Complexity Cross-Sectional Analysis Longitudinal Analysis Conclusions and Perspectives Bibliography Appendix: List and Sources of Variables

'A central issue in the social sciences today is how to combine different analytic methods and accomplish effective multi-method research. In Mixed Methods in Comparative Research, Dirk Berg-Schlosser provides an exemplary demonstration of mixed methods research focused on a specific substantive question the survival/breakdown of democracy in inter-war Europe. He shows how to establish a rich dialogue between within-case analysis and configurational cross-case analysis, providing an important methodological template for future research.'

Charles Ragin, Chancellor's Professor, University of California, Irvine

'Building on his large experience as a first rate comparativist, Dirk Berg-Schlosser provides a coherent, systematic account of challenges and problems anyone conducting comparative research has to cope with. For research based on small and medium numbers of cases, such as studies on democracy and democratization, public policies or similar topics Berg-Schlosser provides a compulsory reading for students and scholars. Their work will be substantially improved by reading this well written and neatly argued book.'

Leonardo Morlinol3U