This authoritative book examines the what, why and how of international comparative research. It offers a comprehensive topic-based overview of the theory and practice of comparative research and addresses the possible concerns of those both funding the research and using the findings. Drawing on illustrations from the extensive international literature as well as real-life comparative studies, the chapters guide readers through the many stages in the research process, from research design and data collection to the analysis and interpretation of findings. In a book that crosses national, societal, cultural and disciplinary boundaries, the author: - Pinpoints practical problems and directs readers to tried and tested solutions, including multiple method strategies. - Draws on examples of policy transfer to examine how comparative research can inform policy making - Provides guidance on the management of international research teams and projects This resource is the ultimate reference tool for students, researchers and practitioners undertaking comparative research projects in international settings across the social sciences and humanities.

It argues that the main purpose of educational research is to improve student learning, and that international comparative studies are no exception.

This authoritative book examines the what, why and how of international comparative research. It offers a comprehensive topic-based overview of the theory and practice of comparative research and addresses the possible concerns of those both funding the research and using the findings. Drawing on illustrations from the extensive international literature as well as real-life comparative studies, the chapters guide readers through the many stages in the research process, from research design and data collection to the analysis and interpretation of findings. In a book that crosses national, societal, cultural and disciplinary boundaries, the author: - Pinpoints practical problems and directs readers to tried and tested solutions, including multiple method strategies. - Draws on examples of policy transfer to examine how comparative research can inform policy making - Provides guidance on the management of international research teams and projects This resource is the ultimate reference tool for students, researchers and practitioners undertaking comparative research projects in international settings across the social sciences and humanities.

In the post-World War II era, the emergence of 'area studies' marked a signal development in the social sciences. As the social sciences evolved methodologically, however, many dismissed area studies as favoring narrow description over general theory. Still, area studies continues to plays a key, if unacknowledged, role in bringing new data, new theories, and valuable policy-relevant insights to social sciences. In Comparative Area Studies, three leading figures in the field have gathered an international group of scholars in a volume that promises to be a landmark in a resurgent field. The book upholds two basic convictions: that intensive regional research remains indispensable to the social sciences and that this research needs to employ comparative referents from other regions to demonstrate its broader relevance. Comparative Area Studies (CAS) combines the context-specific insights from traditional area studies and the logic of cross- and inter-regional empirical research. This first book devoted to CAS explores methodological rationales and illustrative applications to demonstrate how area-based expertise can be fruitfully integrated with cutting-edge comparative analytical frameworks.

Approaches and methods in comparative education are of obvious importance, but do not always receive adequate attention. This second edition of a well-received book, containing thoroughly updated and additional material, contributes new insights within the longstanding traditions of the field. A particular feature is the focus on different units of analysis. Individual chapters compare places, systems, times, cultures, values, policies, curricula and other units. These chapters are contextualised within broader analytical frameworks which identify the purposes and strengths of the field. The book includes a focus on intra-national as well as cross-national comparisons, and highlights the value of approaching themes from different angles. As already demonstrated by the first edition of the book, the work will be of great value not only to producers of comparative education research but also to users who wish to understand more thoroughly the parameters and value of the field.