NCJ Number
162267
Date Published
1990
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the role of social researchers in the construction of knowledge used to make policy, using findings from a study of the relationship between drugs and homicide as an example of how the process works.
Abstract
Policymaking has two aspects. First, there is the rational, standardized, formal process, where decisions are made about the allocation of resources for addressing problems and issues identified and defined by particular policymakers. Successful execution of this aspect depends on the quality of available information about the likely outcomes and effects of different allocation decisions. In their traditional role, policy or applied researchers have been a good source of such information, and provision of the information is a value-free activity in which technicians and social engineers can comfortably participate. Second, there is the nonrational, interpersonal, political process through which problems and issues are identified and defined and priorities are set. Since advice is inherently value-laden, policy and applied researchers have traditionally been considered superfluous to this aspect of policymaking. The author concludes, however, that researchers working in a policy-oriented area or on a policy-relevant subject. have a responsibility to follow the reporting of their findings in scientific journals with the advocacy of their conclusions and recommendations to policymakers. References