Statistical Analysis

We have been spending most of our space to this point in the book arguing that case-based analysis and other less quantitative research techniques are important components of comparative political analysis (see Kittel, 2006). This discussion has been arguing implicitly that, despite its importance in the social sciences, statistical analysis is not everything, and that alternative methodologies do need to be considered and utilized when appropriate. It may not be everything, but statistical analysis is certainly something, and we should examine carefully what conventional statistical analysis can and cannot do to enhance comparative political research. The fundamental question, therefore, is whether comparative political analysis has characteristics that make the use of the conventional modes of statistical analysis less applicable than in other areas of research. Also, if there are impediments to using conventional analysis then are there means of amending the techniques to make them more useful for comparison?