This double application springs from the need to make counterfactual comparisons when the explanatory variable is absent in the cases we chose to compareĪ scientific method in which comparison is used to reveal the general and the particular in historical phenomena and to gainan understanding of the various historical stages of development of one and the same phenomenon or of two different butcontemporaneous phenomena a variety of the historical method ( see HISTORICISM). The method of difference consists in a double application of the method of agreement.
The method of agreement : The method of agreement consists in making paired comparisons in order to ascertain what causes changes we observe in the world. It tests hypotheses concerning causes, effects or trends that may help to explain present events and anticipate future events. It is the procedure in which a researcher collects and evaluates data to understand reports or observation made by others.
