When examining research on sentencing in the United States, what is the real value in public opinion poll research compared to social science research?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Public opinion research on sentencing preferences demonstrated higher validity when the public was given diverse sentencing options and adequate information, such as program descriptions and detailed information about an offense or an offender. However, readers are cautioned that exposure to information may have only short-term effects rather than lasting effects, as many beliefs about crime and punishment are based on emotional rather than rational arguments (Maruna & King, 2008). This reliance on emotional reactions may lead to temporary increases in funding for particular programs, policies, or sanctions. However, it may also lead to the continuance of having punishments that do not achieve the desired outcomes. A good example is three strikes legislation that has not always resulted in removing only the most serious offenders from society. Conversely, valid social science research removes the emotional response and measures the degree of effectiveness of programs based on the program's ability to achieve desired outcomes/goals.