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

    1. 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).
    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. 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.

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