By: Crystal Poole
Kearney’s (2020) article “Conducting 50-State Survey Research: Lessons Learned Through Criminal Justice Research” provides a set of general tips and recommendations for conducting effective multi-state survey research. She notes that while multi-state surveys enable us to compare the laws of multiple jurisdictions in the United States, it can be time-consuming to find what you need because there is such a wide variety of resources. Kearney states that by following the tips and recommendations provided in the article, time spent on research requests for multi-state surveys can be reduced.
The first tip Kearney provides is to identify exactly what you want to know. By asking questions such as “Is it important for you to find all regulations on a subject?” and “Do you more generally want to know how a public policy is implemented in a state regardless of the legal mechanism?”, you can help narrow down your injury. The second tip Kearney provides is to develop a detailed plan. She suggests developing a plan to keep you focused on relevant information and updating as you go, so you do not lose time later. The third tip Kearney provides is to evaluate what you, or your researchers, already know. It is important to consider any prior knowledge of the states being surveyed and whether the relationship between statutes and regulations is well understood. The fourth tip Kearney provides is to define your key concepts. If your research question(s) includes a concept, you must be prepared to define it, so it is clear for the reader. The fifth tip Kearney provides is to draft a variety of keywords. She notes that oftentimes vastly different words are used to describe the same content in different states, along with laws that are organized and administered in different ways. Utilizing an index, or a popular name table, can help you understand a concept from one state to another. The sixth tip Kearney provides is when conducting a regulatory survey, remember the relationship between different types of documents. She suggests keeping in mind the relationship between the types of public policies, such as how a statue will not always direct you to related administrative regulations, however, a regulation should direct you to a statute. The seventh tip Kearney provides is to keep in mind the relationship between state and local governments. She states that when investigating an issue that affects multiple levels of government, research can get tricky. It is important for the researcher to understand the extent that the state institution interacts with the local. The eighth tip Kearney provides is to ask for assistance. If something seems inconsistent or strange, asking for assistance from an individual in that jurisdiction can prove helpful. The ninth tip Kearney provides is to be prepared to take extra steps. She notes that you will likely need to be more meticulously organized and careful about how you organize your findings than in other types of research, and you should always consider the needs of the potential audience. The tenth, and final tip, Kearney provides is to have fun! She states that while conducting a multi-state survey can be frustrating and complicated, you can take what you learn and carry it with you for the rest of your life.
Kearney also notes the challenge of a multi-state survey being up to date. She suggests two approaches to keeping up to date when you are compiling the research. The first is to set an alert in a database for changes to any of the primary sources that are relevant. She notes that this is a better option for long-term updating. The second is to set a date to finalize the survey and substantiate all the material at once. She notes that this might be a better method for a one-time project, and you should always indicate to your readers the cut-off date for accuracy and currency.
Kearney, Janet. 2020. “Conducting 50-State Survey Research: Lessons Learned through Criminal Justice Research.” AALL Spectrum 24(6):23–25.