Description: This book examines ways to enhance evidence-based policymaking, striking a balance between theory and practice. The attention to theory builds a greater understanding of why miscommunication and mistrust occur. Until we better appreciate the forces that divide researchers and policymakers, we cannot effectively construct strategies for bringing them together.
Review Quotes:
"This book is an engaging, fieldwork-based how-to guide appropriate for all contemporary psychologists finding themselves involved with policy, consultations, restructuring and service development." - Sarah McDonald in The Psychologist
"In this volume, Bogenschneider and Corbett expertly address the multitude of pitfalls by using their own considerable breadth of experience in bridging the gap between research and policy to suggest ways to overcome barriers to collaboration. The most important chapter in the book, 'Generating Evidence on Disseminating Evidence to Policymakers, ' deserves to be required reading in applied-research graduate programs because it articulates the cultural differences between knowledge producers and policy makers. This book provides a valuable collection of tools with which to speed up the collaborative process while honestly addressing the many messy and complicated elements involved." - Marlene M. Eisenberg and Michael B. Blank, in PsycCRITIQUES
"Crossing the chasm between research and policymaking requires navigating partisan debates fueled by ideological purity amidst unseen imperatives. But rational governance is better governance. Finally, a book shows us how to get there from here." - Gail C. Christopher, D.N., Vice President, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, USA
"Bogenschneider and Corbett brilliantly fill a big gap in our understanding of evidence. This volume would make a fine addition to any and every serious master's or upper-level undergraduate policy course where the role of evidence in the policy process is discussed." - Timothy M. Smeeding, Professor, and Director, Institute for Research on Poverty, UW-Madison, USA
"Karen Bogenschneider and Tom Corbett have spent most of their careers working to bridge the gap between policymakers and policy researchers. This new book is a monument to their wisdom and their commitment to this endeavor." - Sara McLanahan, Professor and Endowed Chair, Princeton University, USA"Bogenschneider's and Corbett's expertise goes beyond understanding theory. They know how public policy works. When I need advice about ways to strengthen the relationship between higher education and public officials, I go to Karen and Tom first. This book makes a real contribution to those who want to learn about public policy." - Mary Fairchild, National Conference of State Legislatures, USA
"This book should be read by all who hope research can affect policy in the real world. The authors' unique experience provides insights that move the field of evidence-based policy significantly forward." - Matthew Stagner, Ph.D., Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, USA