In sociology, what describes comparing two or more groups or events to identify similarities and differences?

• A. Laws
• B. Comparative study
• C. Norms
• D. Customs

Answer: (B)

Comparative study focuses on analyzing two or more groups or events to identify similarities and differences. This approach helps reveal how different contexts, conditions, or factors shape outcomes, making patterns across groups visible and allowing stronger reasoning about social processes. For example, comparing educational achievement in different countries can show how policy, resources, and culture influence results, highlighting what might be generalizable versus context-specific. The other options describe types of rules or practices—laws are formal rules, norms are informal expectations, and customs are traditional practices—none of which capture the method of systematically comparing groups to find similarities and differences.