Evaluating Empirical Research Methods: Using Empirical Research in Law and Policy

Authors

Jennifer K. Robbennolt, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignFollow

Abstract

I. Introduction . . . . . 777

II. Social Science Methods and Legal Questions . . . . . 779

A. Archival Research – The Nebraska Death Penalty Study . . . . . 780

B. Experimental Research – Death Qualification and Penalty Phase Instructions . . . . . 785

III. Obstacles to Evaluating Empirical Methodology . . . . . 789

A. Biased Assimilation . . . . . 790

B. Methodological Background . . . . . 795

IV. Strategies for Evaluating Empirical Research . . . . . 797

A. Explore the Tensions . . . . . 798

B. Research in Context . . . . . 799

C. Methodological Training . . . . . 801

V . Conclusion . . . . . 804

Recommended Citation

Jennifer K. Robbennolt, Evaluating Empirical Research Methods: Using Empirical Research in Law and Policy, 81 Neb. L. Rev. (2002)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol81/iss2/5