Public policy and public service: Our professional duty.

Connecting Research and Policymaking: Implications for Theory and Practice from the Family Impact Seminars*

“…Social scientists employ increasingly complex methodologies and complicated statistical procedures, which are difficult to explain to lay audiences (Booth, 1988). Many researchers do not know how to present their findings in ways that might influence policy decisions (DeLeon, 1996; Scott, Mason, & Chapman, 1999). Instead, they generate lengthy research reports that contain discipline‐specific language aimed at other scientists that is not readily understood by those outside academia (Nelson et al, 1987; Patton, 1997; Weiss, 1990; Weiss & Bucuvalas, 1980).…”

“…T his paper stems from the premise that ideas are powerful political tools (Smith, 1991) and that research produces policy-relevant ideas. Yet with a couple notable exceptions, the history of the utilization of social science knowledge in the past 50 years yields few examples of research being used to inform policymaking (DeLeon, 1996;Strickland, 1996). This underutilization, which has defied explanation for half a century, is particularly compelling now given the convergence of three forces: the demand from policymakers for high quality research to guide their decisions (Miller, 1996;Strickland), a supply of increasingly sophisticated research, and social scientists' growing interest in applying research outside the walls of academia (Zigler, 1998).…”

The psychotherapy dose-response effect and its implications for treatment delivery services.

“…Further, despite the recognized and frequently addressed importance of psychotherapy research informing public policy in regard to mental health issues (DeLeon, 1988, Herman, 1983; Newman & Howard, 1986; Strupp, 1986), it seems that there are serious difficulties in bridging this gap, not only between researchers and practitioners but also between researchers and policy makers (Speer, 1994; Wiggins, 1992). In this day of accountability and managed health care, the need for clinical research to reach and affect policy makers becomes especially important.…”

Promoting community partnerships: Public policy initiatives related to prenatal care.

“…As a profession we often do not appreciate how global our influence can be. We forget, or simply do not appreciate, how many of society's needs can be effectively addressed by the proper and timely application of psychological principles (DeLeon, 1986, 1988). The evolving psychology‐nurse interface presents numerous challenges and exciting opportunities.…”