Abstract:

Comparative method has a long and distinguished place in social sciences research methods. Some of the important researches carried out in both classical and modern sociology have applied the comparative method. Despite its prestigious place in social sciences research methods, this method does not hold enough space among the social science research methods and techniques books. Therefore, in this article, we aim to introduce various dimensions of comparative historical methods. This study consists of seven chapters: Within the first two chapters, we outline a brief history of the comparative historical research method and research questions that are appropriate for comparative historical research. In chapter three, we compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the comparative historical method and other qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques. Chapter five will continue by identifying four types of comparative research. Principles of Mill’s analytical methods of comparision are outlined with specific examples in chapter five. In chapter six, we examine the applications of Boolen Algebra in the nominal comparative method. In the last chapter we discuss the event structure and event history analysis which brings new insight into the comparative method.

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