It is argued that at an intermediate level of abstraction, comparative research may lead to a better understanding of the hidden aims of national government policies. However, the cross-national researcher is faced with a number of methodological pitfalls, including: terminological differences; differences in the nature & accessibility of sources; differences in sociopolitical systems; & differences that result from the effects of previous policies in the same field. These problems are illustrated with examples drawn from recent comparative analyses of immigration policies in several Western European countries. 19 References. HA
