ERIC Number: ED555267
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 122
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-309-26161-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy
Prewitt, Kenneth, Ed.; Schwandt, Thomas A., Ed.; Straf, Miron L., Ed.
National Academies Press
"Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy" encourages scientists to think differently about the use of scientific evidence in policy making. This report investigates why scientific evidence is important to policy making and argues that an extensive body of research on knowledge utilization has not led to any widely accepted explanation of what it means to use science in public policy. "Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy" identifies the gaps in our understanding and develops a framework for a new field of research to fill those gaps. For social scientists in a number of specialized fields, whether established scholars or Ph.D. students, "Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy" shows how to bring their expertise to bear on the study of using science to inform public policy. More generally, this report will be of special interest to scientists who want to see their research used in policy making, offering guidance on what is required beyond producing quality research, beyond translating results into more understandable terms, and beyond brokering the results through intermediaries, such as think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups. For administrators and faculty in public policy programs and schools, "Using Science as Evidence in Public Policy" identifies critical elements of instruction that will better equip graduates to promote the use of science in policy making. Two appendices include: (1) Selected Major Social Science Research Methods: Overview; and (2) Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff. (Contains approximately 270 references.) [The content of this document was prepared by the Committee on the Use of Social Knowledge in Public Policy; Center for Education; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; National Research Council.]
Descriptors: Public Policy, Policy Formation, Scientists, Evidence, Scientific Research, Social Sciences, Social Science Research
National Academies Press. 500 Fifth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Tel: 888-624-8373; Tel: 202-334-2000; Fax: 202-334-2793; e-mail: Customer_Service@nap.edu; Web site: http://www.nap.edu
Publication Type: Books; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation; William T. Grant Foundation; William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; Spencer Foundation
Authoring Institution: National Academies, National Academy of Sciences; National Academies, National Research Council
Grant or Contract Numbers: SES-0630359