The term level of analysis points to the location, size, or scale of a research target. "Level of analysis" is distinct from the term "unit of analysis" or "unit of observation", in that the former refers to a more or less integrated set of relationships while the latter refers to the distinct unit from which data have been or will be gathered. Together, the unit of observation and the level of analysis help define the population of a research enterprise.

Overview[link]

The term level of analysis points to the location, size, or scale of a research target.^[1] An analogous term, used in the social sciences, is a "social unit". For example, in the area of International relations, in Man, State and War, Kenneth N. Waltz creates a tripartite analysis with three different levels of analysis: the man (individual), the state (a group), and war (the social system in which groups interact)^[2]. "Level of analysis" is distinct from the term "unit of analysis", "unit of observation", or "unit of measurement" in that the former refers to a more or less integrated set of relationships while the latter refer to the distinct unit from which data have been or will be gathered. Together, the unit of observation and the level of analysis define the population of a research enterprise.^[3]

Levels (in ascending order)[link]

Although levels of analysis are not necessarily mutually exclusive, there are three general levels into which research may fall: micro-level, meso-level or middle-range, and macro-level.

This section requires expansion with: additional examples and references for each sub-level.

Micro-level[link]

The smallest unit of analysis in the social sciences is an individual in their social setting. At the micro-level, also referred to as the local level, the research population typically is an individual in their social setting or a small group of individuals in a particular social context. Examples of micro-level units of analysis include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Alien, stateless person, asylum seeker, refugee
• Person
• Citizen
• Partnership, marriage
• Families
• Household
• Neighborhood

Meso-level[link]

In general, a meso-level analysis indicates a population size that falls between the micro- and macro-levels, such as a community or an organization. However, meso-level may also refer to analyses that are specifically designed to reveal connections between micro- and macro-levels. Sometimes referred to as mid-range, especially in sociology. Examples of meso-level units of analysis include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Clan
• Tribe
• Community
• Village, town, city
• Formal organization
• State

Macro-level[link]

Macro-level analyses generally trace the outcomes of interactions, such as economic or other resource transfer interactions over a large population. Also referred to as the global level. Examples of macro-level units of analysis include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Nation
• Society
• Civilization
• International

See also[link]

• Statistical unit
• Social groups

Additional Reading[link]

• Babbie, Earl (2004). The Practice of Social Research (10th ed.), Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Thomson Learning Inc. ISBN 0-534-62029-9.
• Jepperson, Ronald and John W. Meyer (2011). "Multiple Levels of Analysis and the Limitations of Methodological Individualisms." Sociological Theory, 29(1): 54–73.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Rourke, John T . (2005). "Levels of analysis", from International Politics on the World Stage, (10th ed.)
• Megas, Achilleas (2008). "The Level Analysis Meta-theoretical Problem: International Studies Assessment." Third International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.
• Core-Biological level of analysis.