Trends in the Use of Data Analysis Methods in Legal Research (Analysis of Scopus-Indexed Law Journals in Indonesia and Malaysia)

Abstract Legal research in Indonesia and Malaysia continues to evolve amid growing demands for methodological transparency and analytical rigor. However, the dominance of doctrinal approaches has limited the adoption of empirical and mixed methods in regional legal scholarship. This study aims to examine the implementation of data analysis methods in Scopus-indexed law journals from both countries between 2019 and 2024. Using a comparative qualitative approach supported by content analysis, 60 research articles were systematically reviewed from four selected journals. The findings reveal that qualitative methods remain predominant (78 %), while mixed methods are emerging gradually, especially in Malaysian publications. Quantitative techniques are used minimally (3 %), indicating persistent reliance on document-based normative research. Differences between Indonesia and Malaysia are influenced by academic traditions, legal education systems, and editorial policies. This study is original in mapping the methodological patterns of legal research in two Southeast Asian jurisdictions through an empirical review of Scopus-indexed publications. The results contribute to the enhancement of methodological literacy and highlight the need for integrating normative and empirical approaches in legal studies. Strengthening mixed-method applications is essential to advancing evidence-based legal scholarship and aligning Indonesian and Malaysian legal research with global academic standards.