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The Missing Link: Deficits of Country-Level Studies. A Review of 22 Articles Explaining Life Satisfaction

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Abstract

To explain country differences in an analytical or structural dependent variable, the application of a macro–micro-model containing contextual hypotheses is necessary. Our methodological study examines whether empirical studies apply such a model. We propose that a theoretical base for country differences is well described in multilevel studies, but aggregate and individual data analyses fail to specify contextual hypotheses ex ante (in the theory section of an article) and instead elaborate on macro–micro explanations ex post (in the discussion section). To test our assumptions, we analyzed 22 studies published in journals cited in the Social Science Citation Index between 2007 and 2010, which compare countries with respect to life satisfaction. Results are in accordance with our expectations. We conclude that cross-country comparisons should apply a macro–micro-model theoretically and empirically, if possible, and include the meso level, if appropriate. In case of insufficient data (i. e. only individual level or aggregate level data), applying a macro–micro-model theoretically may prevent premature conclusions.

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Notes

  1. DBP 10 is an exceptional case because additional to country dummies and separate analyses, the effect of the GDP is tested as well. Because GDP is the only macro level variable and because it is not central to the reasoning, DBP is categorized as a study using individual data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Political Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 50, 30167, Hannover, Germany

    Alexandra Nonnenmacher

  2. Research Institute for Sociology, University of Cologne, Greinstrasse 2, 50939, Cologne, Germany

    Jürgen Friedrichs

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  1. Alexandra Nonnenmacher
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  2. Jürgen Friedrichs
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Correspondence to Alexandra Nonnenmacher.

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Nonnenmacher, A., Friedrichs, J. The Missing Link: Deficits of Country-Level Studies. A Review of 22 Articles Explaining Life Satisfaction. Soc Indic Res 110, 1221–1244 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-011-9981-8

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