Comparison indicators are a common analysis tool students and scholars use in comparative, global, and international politics. In these courses, students learn about differences and similarities across countries through the lens of indicators like GDP or indexes on governance. As instructors, we may ask students to discuss conceptual equivalence and the possible biases and weaknesses of these indicators, which are designed and measured by scholars and experts. However, by asking students to design their own indicators for development or social welfare, they will learn about the process of taking a concept to measurement and then using their indicator in a comparative analysis. This resource includes:

(1) in-class activity and discussion prompts,
(2) critical thinking reflection activity or assignment,
(3) scaffolded paper assignment guide with a sample grading rubric, and
(4) list of possible data sources.