Socio-Legal Research: theory and method

Abstract

The objective of the scientific research method is the production of scientific knowledge that is mainly characterized by being a knowledge susceptible to empirical, probabilistic and predictive verification, for which it requires as a condition: the quantification and measurement of reality, being the concept of variable the which helps to fulfill this condition; then, a science is more rigorous to the extent that it is mathematized more. The process of scientific research applicable to socio-legal research requires the following components.The variable that expresses a datum, value or response, which varies in each unit of analysis and is capable of being quantified and measured. The variable in turn is made up of indicators, measurement system, categories and data, values or responses. The research problem or problem for science is based on the non-existence or insufficiency of scientific knowledge or that it is contrary to reality. In particular, the model, characteristics, criteria, types, analysis and stages of the formulation of the research problem should be considered. The hypothesis as the provisional answer to the question that flows from the research problem; in this sense, it guides the investigation; a hypothesis that turns out to be false may be more important to scientific knowledge than a hypothesis that is confirmed empirically. The data is the information about a fact, event or occurrence; therefore, scientific data is valid and reliable information about a fact, event or event, measurable and quantifiable: it is valid when it corresponds to the definition of the variable; it is reliable when it is verifiable and reproducible. The usual data collection techniques in this type of research are: observation, interview, questionnaire. The test of the hypotheses constitutes properly the analysis and contrast of the data with the hypotheses.