ABSTRACT
When psychologists find themselves in the relatively unfamiliar position of being consulted as experts about important issues of public policy, two common—though incompatible—reactions are commonly observed. One response is to retreat rapidly to the laboratory behind a protective shield bearing the inscription MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED. The opposite choice is based on the assumption that important decisions are going to be made with or without psychological input. Therefore, psychologists may as well charge boldly forth, brandishing whatever theory and data are available, in an attempt to influence the decision-making process.
