ABSTRACT
Research and other academic activities play a special role in the long-term evolution of a democracy. It is the activity of enquiry that generates the knowledge base that informs other end users of research-media, policymakers, and the public-on what is actually going on. For example, the quality of a magazine article on problem gambling will be only as good as the quality of the sources of information that are used to support its main points. Without solid research, discussion and debate remains at the level of conjecture and guesswork, and thereby opens the topic up for capture by lobbyists with vested interests in one particular persuasion. A pressing illustration of this is occurring currently over whether or not the consumption of fossil fuels is leading to significant global warming. Those with financial interests in fossil fuel consumption (e.g., car manufacturers, fuel producers, and some governments) have a strong interest in denying or playing down any negative effects from global warming. Despite the power behind these interests, researchers have managed to play a critical role in measuring the extent and effects of global warming and repeatedly presenting the evidence in the public domain. Industry advocates and politicians have tried their hardest to discredit the figures and bamboozle observers, but their efforts have not managed to stem the ongoing flow of worrying information.
