Using robust research evidence in policy formation and evaluation

Sir Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor, has written a report on the use of robust, research-derived evidence within the policy formation and evaluation process. The Role of Evidence in Policy Formation and Implementation report expands on discussion and issues raised in Gluckman's 2011 report, Towards Better Use of Evidence in Policy Formation.

The report is informed by a survey of selected government agencies undertaken in 2012. The survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of public servants towards the use of research-informed evidence in policy formation. Study results indicated that despite examples of promising attitudes and practices, there was high variability across the sector in understanding and applying robust evidence in policy formation and evaluation.

The report makes five recommendations to improve practices, applicable generally across government departments. Briefly, the recommendations include:

• development of protocols regarding obtaining expert scientific advice
• extending the use of Departmental Science Advisors (DSAs)
• assisting central government agencies in longer-term planning, risk assessment and evaluation
• improving and making explicit the use of government funds for research to assist policy formation
• providing greater transparency regarding the use of research-informed data in decision-making on complex and controversial areas.

The report also directly comments on the nature of social science research, stating there are three widely-held misconceptions of applying social science research to policy:

• that social science research by its nature allows for values-based interpretations of research
• that qualitative techniques are more susceptible to bias and personal judgment by researchers
• that social research does not require particular expertise and can be undertaken by policy practitioners with little or no formal research training.

The report states that when adequate consideration is given to research design, methods and interpretation, social science research can make a "powerful contribution to policy development".