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On Time and Comparative Research

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  • Stefano Bartolini

Abstract

The essay argues why the comparative method has been amply debated in reference to cross-cultural synchronic research, while less attention has been devoted to the problems of its application to temporal variance. Three central method-issues are discussed: (1) the definition of `temporal units' of analysis; (2) the special character of cross-time generalizations versus cross-spatial ones; and (3) the problem of historical multi-collinearity. The core arguments are that: (1) the search for a specific `historical method' is vitiated by the confusion between the peculiarity of historical `rules of method' - which cannot be identified - and the peculiarity of `cross-time variance' - which, on the contrary, is so momentous; (2) in controlling the validity of causal generalizations, resorting to temporal variance only presents methodological pitfalls not inferior to those stemming from the resort to the sole spatial synchronic variance; (3) consequently, control-maximization is best achieved by research designs which combine both types of variance and permit `slides of synchronic comparisons through time'.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Bartolini, 1993. "On Time and Comparative Research," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 5(2), pages 131-167, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:5:y:1993:i:2:p:131-167
    DOI: 10.1177/0951692893005002001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deutsch, Karl W., 1961. "Social Mobilization and Political Development," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 55(3), pages 493-514, September.
    2. Klingman, David, 1980. "Temporal and Spatial Diffusion in the Comparative Analysis of Social Change," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 74(1), pages 123-137, March.
    3. Sartori, Giovanni, 1970. "Concept Misformation in Comparative Politics," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(4), pages 1033-1053, December.
    4. Lijphart, Arend, 1971. "Comparative Politics and the Comparative Method," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(3), pages 682-693, September.
    5. Rostow,W. W., 1971. "Politics and the Stages of Growth," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521096539.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jørgen Møller, 2017. "A framework for congruence analysis in comparative historical analysis of political change," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 51(5), pages 2337-2355, September.
    2. Juliette Rouchier & Claudio Cioffi-Revilla & J. Gareth Polhill & Keiki Takadama, 2008. "Progress in Model-To-Model Analysis," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 11(2), pages 1-8.
    3. Levi-Faur, David, 2003. "Comparative Research Designs in the Study of Regulation: How to Increase the Number of Cases Without Compromising the Strengths of Case-Oriented Analysis," Centre on Regulation and Competition (CRC) Working papers 30695, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM).

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