The Voice of Experience: How Social Scientists Communicate Family Research to Policymakers

Abstract

Because scientific understanding of communicating family research to policymakers is incomplete, qualitative interviews were conducted with social scientists experienced in bridging the gulf between research and family policy. In keeping with the tenets of two communities and community dissonance theories, the underutilization of research in policymaking was attributed, in part, to misperceptions and miscommunication between researchers and policymakers who operate in different cultures. Social scientists identified cultural barriers they encountered and rewards they experienced when communicating research to policymakers. Ten recommendations detail pragmatic strategies for communicating across conflicting cultures to promote greater use of research in family policy decisions. The findings suggest a paradigm shift away from simply disseminating research to policymakers and toward developing collaborative relationships with them.

State legislators’ sources and use of information: bridging the gap between research and policy

“…Participants' frequent mention of intermediaries (e.g. non-profit and advocacy groups, health departments) as trusted and valued sources of information is echoed in the literature and illustrates the vital role that these groups play in policy development, often serving as a bridge between researchers and policymakers [12,[24][25][26][27].…”

“…In response to this request, researchers and practitioners can develop relationships with policymakers, proactively reaching out to them and sharing their work in digestible formats [12]. Communicating regularly with policymakers can allow researchers to have a clear sense of what policymakers are working on and what types of information they may need [13,15].…”

“…any legislative issue related to health), address their use of information, the types of information they seek, the sources from which they seek it, the types of information they need but have difficulty finding and their ideas for how information could be made more useful to them. The final tool contained 18 questions, 12 of which were openended, and was designed to be completed in 20 min. The first nine questions addressed legislators' use of information.…”

“…policymakers, legislative staff) may improve the utilization of evidence in policymaking [11][12][13]. Government organizations and state agencies have been identified by some policymakers as sources of research information, highlighting the crucial role these groups can play in informing policymakers [14].…”

Ensuring Our Voices Are Heard: A Primer for Communicating With Legislators

“…When communicating your research in a written format, use a concise style as if you were writing a briefing paper. Legislators prefer easy-to-read materials that include straightforward language, short sentences and paragraphs, and simple charts and graphs (Bogenschneider et al, 2006;Friese & Bogenschneider, 2009;Gerston, 2008; National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2004;Normandin, 2007;Pratt, 1995). Limit the briefing paper to a few pages.…”