Researchers who have attempted to study the functioning of the jury in the United States have been hampered by the absolute confidentiality of jury deliberations. Research methodologies have tried to circumvent this difficulty by using simulated juries, and have focused largely on the influence of the social status of jurors during deliberations. More recent research, however, suggests that jurors seldom change opinions during deliberations, so future study of the influence of status on verdict should consider the status attributes which predispose jurors to particular verdicts. Although more recent studies have been methodologically superior in the accurate reproduction of courtroom atmosphere, even greater accuracy can be attained by use of the participant/observer method, which is recommended in view of the right of the researcher-as-juror to publish about the trial experience. This method could yield the first case study of the United States jury. Further research is suggested on the effects on jurors' decision making of such factors as jurors' training and their listening comprehension, stress, friendship clique formation, jurors' perceptions of defendants' worth and jurors' taking into account of extralegal considerations. Research may prove to be a catalyst for reform in the jury selection process. (DF)