Simulation Models and the Study of Information Utilization in Public-Sector Decision Making

Abstract

McGrath and his associates (1982) argue persuasively that in order to advance knowledge in a given area, a variety of research approaches whose strengths and weaknesses complement, rather than reproduce, one another must be employed. Yet, research in the area of knowledge utilization has been dominated by surveys and interviews of potential users. Hence, progress in understanding the utilization of policy information in decision making requires that methodological approaches other than surveys and interviews whose weaknesses overlap as little as possible with those of surveys and interviews be identified and applied.