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Unit-9: Types of Research Design: Experimental and Cross-sectional or Comparative

and finds out the similarities and dissimilarities between them, derives generic conclusions about notes
them and present generalisations about them. Comparison can be made between various societies,
various places or same society at different phases of time. Since it is difficult to control social incidents
and therefore in such a situation comparative method has proved useful to compare two aspects or
incidents and find out the generic outcomes for them. In brief, it is this method through which we
compare two or more facts, incidents or units, by explaining and analysing them we try to figure out
a common tendency between them. The use of this method is increasing day-by-day in the field of
anthropology, sociology, education and statistics.

9.6 Importance of Comparative Method
Comparative method started being used in the 19 Century, yet this method has been mostly used by
th
experts for comparative and scientific study of social incidents. We can demonstrate the usefulness
or importance of this method under various headings:
1. Usefulness in Hypothesis Testing: in social research, the formulation and testing of
hypothesis is an important stage. By study, these hypotheses are proved and become principle.
one major usage of comparative method is the testing of hypothesis and also testing their
truthfulness. According to radcliff Brown, comparative method is the most useful technique
in testing of hypothesis. through this technique various groups, cultures and societies can
be easily compared.
2. for understanding factors related to Work: similar to physical sciences, the explanation
of factors or reasons for happening of an incident is a difficult task in social science. Several
experiments are done to find out the reasons for the incidents in social sciences but it is even
more difficult to carry out visible experiments in social sciences as compared to physical
sciences. According to Durkheim, comparative method is a correct technique to find out the
reasons underlying social incidents in “indefinite experiment technique.”
3. useful in analysis of statistics: in the present time, the representation of social incidents in
the form of numbers has been increasing and also for their analysis statistical rules, formulae’s,
symbols, figures, etc. are being used. For comparison of various incidents percentage and
fractions are being used. in this way it is also a good technique for statistical elaboration of
social incidents.
4. useful in result testing: Comparative method is used for testing the results or outcomes
obtained from various studies done on various societies and institutions. this technique
is necessary for testing the results of the study of areas of limited scope between different
nations.
Comparative method has proved useful for the study of smaller areas and smaller level
studies such as various businesses, commercial institutions, rural societies, educational
institutions, etc.
5. To Understand the Direction of Change: Comparative method evolved with historical and
evolutionary method itself because it was necessary to understand the direction of change
in the society, culture and institutions. for this purpose they compared the ancient society,
culture and institutions with the modern society, culture and institutions and found out the
direction and nature of change. Change is itself a comparative fact. the change happening
in a situation can only be determined when it is compared with the other incident.
6. Comprehensive Use of Method: Comparative method is one such technique that has been
used by experts in various areas of social research. this is itself an evidence of its usefulness.
some of the areas in which this technique has been used are given below:

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