Research Methods for Empirical Legal Studies: An Introduction

Research Methods for Empirical Legal Studies gives an overview of methods for empirical legal research. It begins with general methodological issues, such as reliability and validity as well as research ethics. Subsequently, the book discusses data collection: sampling, interviewing, observation and survey instruments, and research design. Then, data analysis methods are introduced, for qualitative as well as quantitative data. In separate chapters, statistical testing and multivariate analysis are explained. Each chapter ends with questions on key issues. Using a minimum of formulas, the text gives numerous examples to facilitate comprehension of the various methodologies. A final chapter showcases three worked examples on labour law, liability law and sentencing, that together cover the scope of qualitative and quantitative research methods for empirical legal studies.

Catrien Bijleveld is a research methodologist and a lawyer. She is professor of Research Methods in Empirical Legal Studies and Criminology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.