Introduction: An Overview of the Problem

Chapter 1: Comparative Research and Social Science Theory
    Explanation and Theory and Social Science
    Theory and Spatiotemporal Parameters: The Postulate of Substitutability
    The Status of Proper names of Systems
    Summary

Chapter 2: Research Designs
    "Most Similar Systems" Designs
    "Most Different Systems" Designs
    Univariate Comparisons
    Comparing Relationship

Chapter 3: System Level Variables: Changing the Level of Analysis
    Differing Relationships.
    Comparative Study and Levels of Analysis
    System-Level Variables: Diffusion Patterns, Settings , and Contexts
    Level of Analysis and Inference: Interpreting Ecological Correlations
    Inferences when Within-System Relationships are Similar
    Inferences when Within-System Relationships Differ Systematically
    Conclusion

Chapter 4: Formulating Theories Across Systems
    Introduction: A Restatement
    Formulating Comparative Theories: A Procedure
    Comparative Explanation in the Social Sciences: A Conclusion

Chapter 5: Measurement in Comparative Research
    The Language of Comparison
    Direct versus Inferred Measurement
    Direct Measurement in Comparative Research
    Inferred Measurement: System Validity and System Interference
    Equivalent Measurement Across Systems
    Summary and Conclusions

Chapter 6: Establishing Equivalence
    A general Criterion of Equivalence
    The Place of Multiple Indicators
    Indicator Distribution: Conditions of Establishing Equivalence.
    Common Indicators Only.
    Common and System-Specific Indicators
    System-Specific Indicators Only
    Summary and Conclusion

Implications for Comparative Research