ABSTRACT
This chapter leads the reader toward a refined theoretical understanding of why research is underutilized in policymaking. It starts by exploring how some policymakers employ research currently and how it influences the policy process. This question is viewed through two critical perspectives: the lens of theory and the lens of state legislators. Four theoretical approaches initially are explored: the politico-administrative decision-making model; Kingdon’s agenda-setting theory; the conventional typology of research use; and community dissonance theory. A recent study of 212 state legislators compared their reported use of research to the predictions of four prominent theories in several categories: those frequently mentioned by legislators and sometimes predicted by theory; those frequently mentioned by legislators and frequently predicted by theory; those frequently mentioned by legislators but seldom or never predicted by theory; and those infrequently mentioned by legislators but frequently predicted by theory. The authors argue that a refined theory of research use must better understand and incorporate policymakers’ perspectives. In doing so, they posit two kinds of research uses: end uses (achieving an ultimate policy end) and as a means to accomplish policy ends. Using research as a means to a policy end includes persuading, educating, asking political questions, earning trust, enhancing dialogue, enlightening understanding, and asking policy questions. Policy ends include position shifting, allocation shifting, tactics shifting, solutions shifting, agenda shifting, framework shifting, and awareness shifting.
