La comparaison internationale et les données de terrain - Des incomparables au cas-limite

Abstract

International Comparison and Field Data - Incomparables in Borderline Cases - Although the collection of similar material is presented as a strong methodological requirement in comparative research, incomparables are common, even inevitable. Based on a qualitative sociological survey on dyslexia in France and the UK, this article shows how empirical data initially envisaged as comparison residuals could be included in the analysis in two ways. On one hand, the finding that data on British speech therapy was incomparable with French data led to reorienting the investigation towards the establishment of more relevant and comparable material. In addition, two British schools with no French equivalent have been considered as borderline cases which enriched the description and analysis.