Citation

Rosenfeld B. Psychol. Public Policy Law 2000; 6(2): 559-574.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, New York 10458, USA. rosenfeld@fordham.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, University of Arizona College of Law and the University of Miami School of Law, Publisher American Psychological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12661541

Abstract

A growing body of research has addressed various aspects of the assisted suicide debate. However, this literature is plagued by methodological shortcomings and limitations. This review describes the primary methodological issues and difficulties found in the existing suicide and euthanasia literature. The methodological issues discussed fall into several broad categories, including difficulties in operationalizing and measuring dependent variables, sampling constraints and biases, confounding influences on independent variables, and statistical considerations. These issues are discussed along with implications for the interpretation of the results reported. Where possible, potential solutions are offered, along with recommendations for future research.

Language: en