Methodology.

Why survey:

 

The survey method was selected as the primary data collection tool because the research objectives focus heavily on Socio-Ethical Fallout and Public Reaction. While content analysis would explain what was in the files, a survey is the only way to measure how the files affected public trust in the legal system, how the wealth gap and institutional corruption are perceived across a wide range of people. A larger sample size was crucial to identify clear patterns in public opinion that a limited number of interviews could not provide.

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Background information: 

 

The survey consists of a total of 20 questions divided into 6 sections as follows:

 

• Section 1 (Demographics- 2 questions): To categorize the data by age and gender. 

 

• Section 2 (Baseline Knowledge of Human Trafficking- 5 questions): To evaluate the respondents' existing understanding of human trafficking regarding trafficking indicators, root causes, and vulnerable populations, to ensure informed responses.

 

• Section 3.1 (The Epstein Files & The Transparency Act- 3 questions): The questions were designed to gauge respondents' awareness and the media platforms they used to follow the case. A factual summary on the Epstein Files and Transparency Act was provided at the start, ensuring the respondents had been provided the context before answering the subsequent ethical questions.

 

• Section 3.2 (Accountability & The Wealth Gap- 3 questions): To examine the financial influence on the judicial process. The questions were focused on understanding how the case impacted the public trust in the legal system when high-profile individuals are involved in serious criminal allegations.

 

• Section 3.3 (Transparency vs. Victim Privacy- 2 questions): This section explores the ethical dilemma between legal transparency and survivor recovery by asking respondents to reflect from the victim's perspective. It also gathers specific suggestions using a checklist format question on ways to make the legal system more humane and fair by balancing public transparency with the protection of the victim's dignity.

 

• Section 3.4 (Gossip culture, Taboo, and public perception- 5 questions): This section examined the epistemological impact of how social media speculation, political bias, and cultural taboos shape the public’s understanding of the truth, and whether these factors can contribute to the way the public empathizes towards the victims.      

 

Data collection/ Data analysis

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How the data was collected:

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The survey was designed using Google Forms and distributed via WhatsApp and Instagram to reach participants across various age groups (18 to 45+), following a random sampling approach with a sample size of 81, ensuring a broader and more diverse reach. The survey remained completely anonymous to encourage honest feedback and protect participant privacy.

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To ensure the results were valid and reliable, summaries and definitions were provided within the survey where necessary. The survey utilized various question formats to capture both specific facts and nuanced opinions,  including multiple-choice, Yes/No, and True/False questions for clear categorization, Likert scales (1–5) to measure the intensity of public sentiment, and checklists to allow respondents to select multiple ethical solutions. 

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How the data was analyzed: 

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Upon completion of the survey, the raw data from the 81 participants were exported to Google Sheets for systematic analysis. The researchers utilized the automatically created data visualization elements, such as pie charts, bar graphs, and frequency scales, using Google Forms to identify dominant trends within the responses. This quantitative approach allowed us to transform raw data and individual opinions into a broader understanding of public sentiment.