University of Twente Student Theses
The Construction of Evidence in the case of Conducted Electrical Weapons in North-Rhine Westphalia
Stahlhut, Kilian (2021) The Construction of Evidence in the case of Conducted Electrical Weapons in North-Rhine Westphalia.
|
PDF
1MB |
| Abstract: | In 2020 the German federal state of North-Rhine Westphalia implemented a pilot study on Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs). This choice was curious as the scientific community has studied the weapon since the late 90s and already offered evidence in various directions. This thesis investigates evidence on CEWs. More in particular, the thesis examines how two groups of industry affiliated and not industry affiliated researchers produce knowledge about the technology. It utilizes concepts from evidence-based policymaking, philosophy of science and sociology of science to understand differences in scientific practice and the nature of ‘appropriate evidence’ for policymaking. The thesis derives three hypotheses from the theoretical literature on science and analyses research papers and interviews to test the expectations. The analysis leads to the conclusion that all three hypotheses are well-supported. Against the background of limitations in the existing evidence, the German pilot study can add significant aspects to the body of knowledge on CEWs by allowing policymakers to observe the technology in its native environment. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Management Society and Technology BSc (56654) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88195 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
Show download statistics for this publication
Show download statistics for this publicationRepository Staff Only: item control page