ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that problems of research can never be tackled satisfactorily—but should at least be aware of what author is up against. It merely scratches the surface, because the literature on research methods and problems is abundant. The link between events to be explained (dependent variables) and explanatory events (independent variables) can be constructed on the basis of explanation or understanding, but it depends on the rigor with which these events are pursued and whether or not the explanation/understanding is impressionistic. As a sweeping generalization one could say that in the social sciences explanation is considered stronger when based on quantitative-statistical analysis. With respect to administrative science this is especially so in the United States. The oldest examples of systematic attention for comparative government are found in the writings of Herodotus, Aristotle, and Ibn Khaldun.
