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Comparative is a concept that derives from the verb “to compare” (the etymology is Latin comparare, derivation of par = equal, with prefix com-, it is a systematic comparison). Comparative studies are investigations to analyze and evaluate, with quantitative and qualitative methods, a phenomenon and/or facts among different areas, subjects, and/or objects to detect similarities and/or differences.
Introduction: Why Comparative Studies Are Important in Scientific Research
Natural sciences apply the method of controlled experimentation to test theories, whereas social and human sciences apply, in general, different approaches to support hypotheses. Comparative method is a process of analysing differences and/or similarities betwee two or more objects and/or subjects. Comparative studies are based on research techniques and strategies for drawing inferences about causation and/or association of factors that are similar or...
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Coccia, M., Benati, I. (2018). Comparative Studies. In: Farazmand, A. (eds) Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_1197-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_1197-1
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