Introduction
Comparative /historical research is defined as research methods that examines past events so as to come up with valid explanations aimed at linking the changes to the present day events. In addition, the process involves comparing the social processes across places and times. The method focuses on how various social processes have developed over certain periods of time. The major methods of data collection in comparative research include; secondary sources, recollections, primary sources and running records. The first step in comparative research is the identification of a research question and identifying concepts to explain the occurrence of the phenomenon. Secondly the researcher examines the similarities and differences between the past and current events. Based on the information obtained the researcher makes analysis in order to establish causal explanation of the phenomenon under study.
The research shall focus on longitudinal research data obtained on various variables to analyze the effectiveness of poverty reduction interventions in the United States. Longitudinal study is the most appropriate method to be used in investigating the effectiveness of the methods of intervention used to reduce the poverty rates in the United States. The method enables the researcher to carry out an in-depth exploration on various social phenomenons and make analysis on the most appropriate method of intervention. The method shall offer relevant information in identifying the patterns and similarities that emerge over time regarding poverty issues in the United States. Longitudinal studies enable the researcher to establish the effectiveness of various interventions aimed at reducing poverty since the method assesses the reliability and validity of the intervention over a specified time frame. In addition, then method is useful in identifying factors that could support or constrain the intervention strategies by comparing the strategy to previously used strategies. The study shall focus on the expenditure rates among various individuals in the United States before and after various interventions. In addition, the research shall focus on longitudinal studies of the income rates of individuals among various social classes. The information obtained shall be useful in determining the relevance of the interventions on various social classes.
In carrying out the research, I shall use quantitative research method since it enables an individual to carry out in-depth analysis on various variables. For instance, in the study the method shall enable me to carry out in-depth analysis on the impact of unemployment benefits towards poverty reduction. The method shall enable me to understand the personal experiences of people regarding the topic of study. Qualitative analysis shall also provide relevant information that will be useful in uncovering other underlying factors to the increase in poverty rates. The method shall also be useful in determining the reasons for the differences in poverty rates between different subcultures.
The research shall be case-oriented since the method enables one to compare the effectiveness of various interventions over certain. For instance, case-oriented studies enable an individual to compare the previous and the current intervention methods and draw conclusions on the most appropriate method of intervention. In addition, the study shall enable me to establish the causal patterns regarding poverty and make relevant recommendations on methods of intervention towards poverty reduction. The method shall also provide useful information on the people’s perspectives regarding poverty and their efforts to counter the effects of poverty.
Secondary data analysis involves collecting of information from third party sources such as sales records, magazine articles and company websites. The method has various strengths and weaknesses. The first strength of this method is that accessibility to data is easy. The second strength is that the method is cost-effective since the researcher obtains information for little or no cost. However, the method has various weaknesses. First is that the quality of the research may be compromised while using this method since it lacks reliability and validity on the data. Secondly, the presentation of secondary data may not meet the needs of the researcher in the exact manner. Thirdly, in some instance the information obtained using secondary data sources may be incomplete. Lastly, the researcher may obtain information that is outdated and does not reflect the current situation regarding certain phenomena. Thus, in my opinion researchers should focus on primary sources of data to obtain reliable and valid data useful in their studies. Additionally, secondary data sources do not allow the researcher to make modifications while carrying out the study.
