@article{3be44b5ac5df452e946a0e5459628351,
title = "Overcoming the Challenges of Experimental Research: Lessons From a Criminal Justice Case Study Involving TASER Exposure",
abstract = "Objective: To provide guidance to criminologists for conducting experiments in light of two common discouraging factors: the belief that they are overly time-consuming and the belief that they can compromise the ethical principles of human subjects{\textquoteright} research. Method: A case study approach is used, based on a large-scale randomized controlled trial experiment in which we exposed participants to a 5-s TASER shock, to describe how the authors overcame ethical, methodological, and logistical difficulties. Results: We derive four pieces of advice from our experiences carrying out this experimental trial: (1) know your limitations, (2) employ pilot testing, (3) remain flexible and patient, and (4) “hold the line” to maintain the integrity of the research and the safety of human subjects. Conclusions: Criminologists have an obligation to provide the best possible evidence regarding the impact and consequences of criminal justice practices and programs. Experiments, considered by many to be the gold standard of empirical research methodologies, should be used whenever possible in order to fulfill this obligation.",
keywords = "TASER, attrition, criminology, experiment, harm, police, randomized controlled trial",
author = "Natalie Todak and Michael White and Dario, {Lisa M.} and Borrego, {Andrea R.}",
note = "Funding Information: In order to address this knowledge gap, our research team carried out an RCT to test the effects of TASER exposure on cognitive functioning (funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice [NIJ]; Project # 2011-IJ-CX-0102). The project began with a small pilot study involving 21 police recruits who received a 5-s TASER exposure as part of their academy training (White, Ready, Kane, & Dario, 2014). Recruits were given a battery of cognitive tests 3–4 hr before exposure, within 5 min after exposure, and 24 hr after exposure. The study found the recruits experienced significant declines in several cognitive measures immediately after exposure, but all recruits returned to baseline within 24 hr. The experiences and results from the pilot study informed the design of the full RCT, in which 142 volunteers were split randomly into four treatment groups: control, TASER exposure only, physical exertion only, and physical exertion + TASER exposure (32–38 per group; White et al., 2015). During the study, participants completed a battery of cognitive tests at six points in time—several days prior to treatment, 1 hr prior to treatment, immediately after treatment, 1 hr after treatment, 1 day after treatment, and 1 week after treatment. Participants were required to attend four visits: Visit 1 (at the authors{\textquoteright} university for screening, informed consent, and initial cognitive testing), Visit 2 (at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona for additional screening, pretreatment testing, exposure to treatment, and posttreatment testing), Visit 3 (at the hospital for 1-day follow-up testing), and Visit 4 (at the hospital for 1-week follow-up testing). Among participants who received a TASER exposure, the research team documented statistically significant declines in scores for auditory learning and memory, as well as in subjective states of the participants (i.e., concentration, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed), with the effects lasting for approximately 1 hr.",
year = "2018",
month = jun,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1177/0193841X18803205",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "42",
pages = "358--385",
journal = "Evaluation Review",
issn = "0193-841X",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Inc.",
number = "3",
}