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Social scientists have been unable to bring about changes in social policies. This paper examines several reasons for this failure. Each issue is open to exploration by a variety of tactics, and researchers typically choose only one or two of the many tactics available to them. The bias of the researcher appears to affect the tactic chosen and the interpretation of the results. Thus, researchers can support both positions on any issue. There are some research studies support the deterrent effect of capital punishment on murder, while others provide no support for such a deterrent effect. The lack of impact on social policies by social scientists is also hindered by their efforts to make social science research value-free,’’ by their unwillingness to work together to arrive at a consensus, and by the rivalries between the different disciplines.

Key words: Human behavior, Personal violence, Execution, Suicide, Prevention of suicide, Social policy.