Diffusion of Social Science Research to Policymakers: An Overview (From Reforming the Law: Impact of Child Development Research, P 63-85, 1987, Gary B Melton, ed. -- See NCJ-113735)

• NCJ Number: 113738
• Author(s): C H Weiss
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Guilford Publications, Inc.
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In the past decade, empirical research has examined the influence of social science research on policymaking.

Abstract

At least two dozen studies have addressed the question of such use in a variety of policy areas and sites using a variety of research methods. These studies have shown that direct efforts to alter specific policy provisions through social science efforts are rarely successful. Nevertheless, social science knowledge often comes into currency and affects the issues that legal and other policymakers think about and the ways they think about them. Such information dissemination occurs through a variety of channels, ranging from advisors and consultants to the mass media and interest groups. As social science knowledge helps shape the policy agenda and the types of policy alternatives under debate, it can have far-reaching consequences usually on the main lines of policy rather than specific provisions. While child development and social science research may eventually lead to more enlightened administrative, judicial, and legislative decisionmaking, much research goes unnoticed, and many decisions rely on obsolete or flawed evidence. Given recent findings on the roles of issue networks, advocacy groups, and the mass media in the dissemination of social science information, researchers should seek to attract the notice of key actors in such networks. 49 references.