Comparative research is exploding with alternative methodological and theoretical approaches. In this book, experts in each one of these methods provide a comprehensive explanation and application of time-series, pooled, event history and Boolean methods to substantive problems of the welfare state. Each section of the book focuses on a different method with a general introduction to the methods and then two papers using the method to deal with analysis concerning welfare state problems in a political economy perspective. Scholars concerned with methodology in this area cannot afford to overlook this book because it will help them keep up on proliferating methodologies. Graduate students in political science and sociology will find this book extremely useful in their careers.

"...the authors do admirably acheive their stated goal of presenting new methods in comparative/historical research by narrowly focusing their exposition of the political economy of the welfare state." Southeastern Political Review

"...this is a one-of-a kind volume, an absolute must for macro comparativists, even if they are not engaged in welfare state research per se. It is the perfect manual for advanced graduate students. Even very sophisticated quantitative researchers will require this book, if for no other reason than that its range of coverage exceeds what most experts are individually capable of mastering. Janoski and Hicks plunged into a daunting project that...merits a standing ovation." Contemporary Sociology