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’ 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.

中文翻译：

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克服实验研究的挑战：涉及TASER暴露的刑事司法案例研究的教训。

目的：根据两个令人沮丧的普遍因素，为犯罪学家进行实验提供指导：认为它们过于费时，以及认为它们可能损害人类研究的伦理原则。方法：基于大型随机对照试验的案例研究方法，使参与者遭受了5秒钟的TASER冲击，描述了作者如何克服道德，方法和后勤方面的困难。结果：我们从进行此实验性试验的经验中得出了四点建议：（1）了解您的局限性，（2）进行中试测试，（3）保持灵活性和耐心，以及（4）保持现状研究的完整性和人类受试者的安全。结论：犯罪学家有义务提供有关刑事司法实践和计划的影响和后果的最佳证据。为了履行这一义务，应尽可能使用许多人认为是经验研究方法学的金标准的实验。