Content and objectives
In this course we are interested in different ways of connecting ideas with evidence that comes from multiple cases. Traditionally we distinguish between case-oriented and variable-oriented research strategies. Case-oriented research strategies focus on complexity and through in-depth studies of a few cases the studies provide intensive knowledge. The variable-oriented research strategies usually look for generalities, or broad patterns, across many cases, usually by correlating aspects, and draw inferences based on these patterns. In comparative (cross-national) studies of, for example, social protection we often have a medium number of cases, that may be too few to make robust statistical analysis and too many to enable informed cross-case analysis.

In this course, we look into what characterise the different approaches to comparative studies, including their strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, we examine classical problems of comparing and discuss novel ways of addressing such issues. In particular, the course gives a short introduction to some of the fundamental elements and principles of fuzzy-set methodology that may provide an alternative approach to conventional case-oriented and variable-oriented research strategies.

This course is an introduction to comparative methods. The course aims to:

• review the main characteristics of comparative studies;

• identify classical problems in comparative studies and discuss  ways of overcoming these;

• introduce new methods (fuzzy set methodology) to studies of ideal types and other theoretical constructs and concepts.

Literature
A class Reader will be available at least 1 month before class. Preparatory initial readings:

• Adcock, Robert and David Collier, 2001. Measurement validity: A shared standard for qualitative and quantitative research, The American Political Science Review, 95(3), 529‑46.

• Goldthorpe, John H., 1997. Current issues in comparative macrosociology: A debate on methodological issues, Comparative Social Research, 16, p. 1-26.

• Ragin, Charles C. 2001. Turning the tables: How case-oriented research challenges variable-oriented research, Comparative Social Research, 16, p. 27-42.

• Ragin, Charles C. 2000. Fuzzy-Set Social Science, Chicago: Chicago University Press. (Chapters 1-5 expected read in advance)