Key Insights
The biomedical temperature sensors market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for precise temperature monitoring in various medical applications. The market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to witness a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.18% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Advancements in sensor technology are leading to smaller, more accurate, and biocompatible sensors, enabling minimally invasive procedures and improved patient outcomes. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring continuous temperature monitoring, coupled with the growing adoption of remote patient monitoring systems, further accelerates market expansion. Technological innovations, such as the development of wireless and implantable sensors, are transforming healthcare by providing real-time data and enabling proactive interventions. The increasing demand for sophisticated diagnostic tools and the integration of temperature sensors into advanced medical devices also contribute significantly to market growth. Different sensor types, including thermocouples, thermistors, RTDs, and infrared sensors, cater to diverse applications, each with specific advantages and limitations. The market is segmented geographically, with North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific representing key regions, reflecting variations in healthcare infrastructure and technological adoption rates.
While the market exhibits significant growth potential, certain challenges remain. High initial costs associated with advanced sensor technology and the need for skilled professionals for installation and maintenance could restrain market growth in certain regions. Regulatory hurdles and stringent quality control requirements also pose challenges for market players. However, ongoing technological advancements, coupled with favorable government regulations and increasing healthcare expenditure, are expected to mitigate these restraints, paving the way for continued market expansion. Competition is intensifying with established players and emerging companies vying for market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. The market landscape is dynamic, with various companies offering a range of products and solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and researchers. The future outlook for the biomedical temperature sensors market remains optimistic, with continued growth projected across various segments and regions.

Biomedical Temperature Sensors Market: A Comprehensive Industry Report (2019-2033)
This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis of the Biomedical Temperature Sensors market, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders, investors, and industry professionals. The report covers the period 2019-2033, with a focus on the forecast period 2025-2033, using 2025 as the base year and estimated year. The market is segmented by type, providing a granular understanding of market dynamics and future growth potential.
Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Market Concentration & Innovation
The Biomedical Temperature Sensors market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, with several key players holding significant market share. While precise market share data for each company requires further analysis within the full report, companies like LumaSense Technologies Inc, Minco Products Inc, and Weed Instrument Co are established players contributing significantly to overall market volume. The market is witnessing increased innovation driven by the need for higher accuracy, miniaturization, and improved biocompatibility in medical applications. Regulatory frameworks, particularly those concerning medical device approval, heavily influence market dynamics. The presence of substitute technologies, such as alternative sensing methods, creates competitive pressures. End-user trends favor non-invasive and wireless technologies, impacting product development strategies. M&A activity within the sector, while not extremely frequent, results in consolidation and expansion of market influence, with reported deals reaching values of xx Million in recent years.
- Market Concentration: Moderately concentrated, with a few dominant players.
- Innovation Drivers: Demand for higher accuracy, miniaturization, and improved biocompatibility.
- Regulatory Framework: Stringent medical device approval processes impact market entry.
- Product Substitutes: Alternative sensing technologies exert competitive pressure.
- End-User Trends: Preference for non-invasive and wireless technologies.
- M&A Activity: Consolidation and expansion through acquisitions; deal values reaching xx Million.
Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Industry Trends & Insights
The Biomedical Temperature Sensors market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach xx Million by 2033, with a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). Several factors contribute to this expansion. Technological advancements, especially in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology, are enabling the development of smaller, more precise, and cost-effective sensors. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing demand for personalized medicine are key market drivers. Consumer preference for minimally invasive procedures and remote patient monitoring fuels demand for advanced sensor technologies. Competitive dynamics are characterized by continuous product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion into emerging markets. Market penetration of advanced sensor types, such as fiber optic and infrared sensors, is gradually increasing, replacing traditional technologies in specific applications. The market is also influenced by developments in related sectors like wireless communication and data analytics, enabling remote monitoring and data-driven healthcare solutions.

Dominant Markets & Segments in Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry
The North American region currently holds the largest market share in biomedical temperature sensors, driven by factors like high healthcare expenditure, strong regulatory support, and the presence of key industry players. Within the segment breakdown by type, Thermistors currently dominate due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of integration.
- Leading Region: North America
- Leading Segment: Thermistors
Key Drivers for North American Dominance:
- High healthcare expenditure and robust research infrastructure.
- Presence of major market players and robust supply chains.
- Strong regulatory support and favorable reimbursement policies.
Thermistor Segment Dominance Analysis:
Thermistors currently hold the largest share in the market due to their cost-effectiveness, excellent sensitivity, and easy integration into various devices. However, the market share is expected to shift towards more advanced sensor technologies such as fiber optics and infrared sensors in the coming years, driven by the need for improved accuracy and non-invasive applications.
Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Product Developments
Recent product innovations focus on enhancing accuracy, miniaturization, and biocompatibility. Wireless and implantable sensors are gaining traction, improving patient comfort and enabling remote monitoring. These advancements cater to increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and continuous health monitoring. Competitive advantages are derived from superior accuracy, longevity, and integration with data analysis platforms.
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the biomedical temperature sensors market by type:
- Thermocouples: This segment demonstrates steady growth driven by its wide temperature range capability, making it suitable for various applications. Market size is projected to reach xx Million by 2033.
- Thermistors: This segment dominates due to cost-effectiveness and ease of integration. Expected growth is moderate, with market size reaching xx Million by 2033.
- Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs): Known for precision and stability, this segment is experiencing healthy growth, with a market size projected at xx Million in 2033.
- Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors: Niche applications limit growth but provides market opportunities in specific niches.
- Fibre Optic Sensors: High growth potential due to their immunity to electromagnetic interference and suitability for harsh environments, with a projected market size of xx Million by 2033.
- Infrared Sensors: Strong growth projected, driven by applications in non-contact temperature measurement, reaching a market size of xx Million by 2033.
Key Drivers of Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Growth
Several factors are driving market expansion. Advancements in sensor technology lead to higher accuracy and miniaturization. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitates better monitoring and diagnosis, creating demand for sophisticated sensors. Regulatory support for medical devices is creating a favorable environment for market expansion, coupled with technological advancements driving growth.
Challenges in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Sector
The market faces challenges, including stringent regulatory approvals for medical devices, which lead to high development costs and longer time to market. Supply chain disruptions can impact manufacturing and pricing. Intense competition among established players and new entrants creates a dynamic and challenging environment.
Emerging Opportunities in Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry
Growth opportunities exist in emerging markets with expanding healthcare infrastructures. Wireless and implantable sensors present a vast potential in remote patient monitoring and minimally invasive procedures. Integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning holds promise for advanced diagnostic tools and personalized medicine.
Leading Players in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Market
- LumaSense Technologies Inc
- Minco Products Inc
- Weed Instrument Co
- Dwyer Instruments Inc
- Pyromation Inc
- TE Connectivity Ltd
- Texas Instruments Incorporated
- Smiths Medical Inc
- Analog Devices Inc
- Amphenol Advanced Sensors
Key Developments in Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Industry
- 2022-Q4: Company X launched a new generation of miniature thermistor sensors with improved accuracy.
- 2023-Q1: Merger between Company Y and Company Z resulting in expanded product portfolio.
- 2023-Q3: Company A announced a strategic partnership for the development of a novel wireless temperature sensor. (Note: Specific company names and details would be included in the full report)
Strategic Outlook for Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Market
The biomedical temperature sensors market exhibits substantial growth potential due to continuous technological innovation, increased healthcare spending, and the growing demand for advanced diagnostics. Focus on miniaturization, wireless connectivity, and integration with data analysis platforms are expected to shape future market trends, creating substantial opportunities for market players.
Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Segmentation
-
1. Type
- 1.1. Thermocouples
- 1.2. Thermistors
- 1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 1.6. Infrared Sensors
Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Europe
- 3. Asia Pacific
- 4. Rest of the World

Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 5.18% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. ; Increasing Spending on Diagnostics; Growing Demand for Fitness Devices; Increasing Health Concerns
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. ; Complexities in Fabrication and High Costs
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Fiber Optic Sensors (FoS) is Expected to Hold a Significant Share
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 5.1.1. Thermocouples
- 5.1.2. Thermistors
- 5.1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 5.1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 5.1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 5.1.6. Infrared Sensors
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. North America
- 5.2.2. Europe
- 5.2.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.4. Rest of the World
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6. North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 6.1.1. Thermocouples
- 6.1.2. Thermistors
- 6.1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 6.1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 6.1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 6.1.6. Infrared Sensors
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7. Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 7.1.1. Thermocouples
- 7.1.2. Thermistors
- 7.1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 7.1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 7.1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 7.1.6. Infrared Sensors
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8. Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 8.1.1. Thermocouples
- 8.1.2. Thermistors
- 8.1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 8.1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 8.1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 8.1.6. Infrared Sensors
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9. Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 9.1.1. Thermocouples
- 9.1.2. Thermistors
- 9.1.3. Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
- 9.1.4. Liquid Crystal Temperature Sensors
- 9.1.5. Fibre Optic Sensors
- 9.1.6. Infrared Sensors
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type
- 10. North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 10.1.1.
- 11. Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 11.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 11.1.1.
- 12. Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 12.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 12.1.1.
- 13. Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 13.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - By Country/Sub-region
- 13.1.1.
- 14. Competitive Analysis
- 14.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2024
- 14.2. Company Profiles
- 14.2.1 LumaSense Technologies Inc
- 14.2.1.1. Overview
- 14.2.1.2. Products
- 14.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.2 Minco Products Inc
- 14.2.2.1. Overview
- 14.2.2.2. Products
- 14.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.3 Weed Instrument Co
- 14.2.3.1. Overview
- 14.2.3.2. Products
- 14.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.4 Dwyer Instruments Inc
- 14.2.4.1. Overview
- 14.2.4.2. Products
- 14.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.5 Pyromation Inc *List Not Exhaustive
- 14.2.5.1. Overview
- 14.2.5.2. Products
- 14.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.6 TE Connectivity Ltd
- 14.2.6.1. Overview
- 14.2.6.2. Products
- 14.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.7 Texas Instruments Incorporated
- 14.2.7.1. Overview
- 14.2.7.2. Products
- 14.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.8 Smiths Medical Inc
- 14.2.8.1. Overview
- 14.2.8.2. Products
- 14.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.9 Analog Devices Inc
- 14.2.9.1. Overview
- 14.2.9.2. Products
- 14.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.10 Amphenol Advanced Sensors
- 14.2.10.1. Overview
- 14.2.10.2. Products
- 14.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 14.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 14.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 14.2.1 LumaSense Technologies Inc
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 3: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 4: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 5: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 6: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 7: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 8: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 9: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 10: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 11: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 12: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 13: North America Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 14: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 15: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 16: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 17: Europe Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 18: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 19: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 21: Asia Pacific Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 22: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 23: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Type 2024 & 2032
- Figure 24: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million), by Country 2024 & 2032
- Figure 25: Rest of the World Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Share (%), by Country 2024 & 2032
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Global Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry?
The projected CAGR is approximately 5.18%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry?
Key companies in the market include LumaSense Technologies Inc, Minco Products Inc, Weed Instrument Co, Dwyer Instruments Inc, Pyromation Inc *List Not Exhaustive, TE Connectivity Ltd, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Smiths Medical Inc, Analog Devices Inc, Amphenol Advanced Sensors.
3. What are the main segments of the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry?
The market segments include Type.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
; Increasing Spending on Diagnostics; Growing Demand for Fitness Devices; Increasing Health Concerns.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Fiber Optic Sensors (FoS) is Expected to Hold a Significant Share.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
; Complexities in Fabrication and High Costs.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
N/A
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Biomedical Temperature Sensors Industry, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence