The comparative method

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The comparative method

• POLI 352A

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Causal explanation

• A central goal of social scientific research.
• To explain why an outcome occurred
• As opposed to description or normative/prescriptiv
  e analysis

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The comparative method Mills method of
difference

• Uses variation across cases as a way of
  explaining outcomes.
•  
• Start with variation in outcomes
• Examine how potential causes covary with outcomes
  across cases.

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Comparative method

• Suppose we theorize that A, B, and C might all be
  causes of a.
• And we observe
• Country 1 ABC a
• Country 2 BC NOT a

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Comparison with variables

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Comparison with variables

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Process evidence

• Think about the causal processes involved, and
  look for evidence
• Institutions
• Federalism race to the bottom, innovation
• Veto points lobbying at veto points
• Neo-corporatism bargaining processes, lobbying
  processes
• Ideas
• Politicians subscribe to idea consistently over
  time, even when risky
• Use of the idea during deliberations.

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Process evidence

• Policy feedback
• Actors making investments in the expectation the
  policy will continue.
• Costs of change going up over time.
• Interest groups forming to defend or oppose the
  policy
• Public opinion
• Politicians adjust positions to fit public
  opinion or attention.
• Parties converging on middle
• Media providing voters with information they need
  to control their officials.