Methodology of Comparative Research / edited by Robert T.Holt and John E.Turner

Here are eight penetrating essays that treat the prob lems of comparative research. The considerations given primary attention include the relationship between methodology and theory, contrasting approaches to the study of comparative politics, the problems of using survey research in cross-cultural studies, and the prob lem of linguistic comparability in the fashioning of research instruments for cross-cultural analysis.

The Methodology of Comparative Research begins with an introduction to the problem of applying scien tific criteria to comparative studies by the editors. This is followed by a discussion of the competing paradigms in this type of research by Professor Holt and Professor John M. Richardson, Jr. Following papers by Fred W. Riggs, Joseph LaPalombara, and David E. Apter dis cuss the comparative study of whole systems, segments of whole systems, and the effects of changes in stratifi cation-group competition on different political systems at specified stages of development.

Concluding papers by Frederick W. Frey, Dell Hymes, and Sylvia L. Thrupp survey the problems encountered in the cross-cultural use of survey research techniques, securing linguistic comparability in re search instruments, and using historical materials in cross-cultural studies. All of the essays are preceded by introductions by the editors. A cumulative bibli ography and an index are included.
Because the editors have organized the material so that the discussions move from broad conceptual and theoretical problems to the specific problems that arise as the comparativist seeks to design and carry out research projects, this volume will be of special impor tance to political scientists undertaking or engaged in research. It will also be of use in advanced undergradu ate and graduate classes and seminars in social science methods. Students of anthropology, the philosophy of science, comparative social organization, anthropologi cal linguistics, and many other related fields of study, will find in this volume a wealth of insight into the designing and execution of comparative research.