ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the methods to collect the empirical data that inform the following chapters. Some of these methods are well established in criminology and social science research, in general, while others are innovative and merit to be highlighted. We used quantitative online surveys with vignettes and a “card game” as an innovative non-directive interview technique to explore ideas and rationalities on punishment in the general public. An analysis of biographies of politicians, expert interviews with members of parliament as well as an innovative longitudinal systematic analysis of legislative activity were done to research the sphere of politics. As far as the media are concerned, a quantitative longitudinal analysis of headlines of French and German newspapers coupled with a framing analysis and expert interviews with journalists was conducted.
