Social Science and Social Policy: Roles of the Applied Researcher*

Abstract

Research on policy impact has increasingly focused on the practical application of social science research. This paper outlines four roles—substantive expert, information processor, change agent, and scholar—which have helped to increase the potential usefulness of our research while maintaining linkages to the academic community. This paper suggests the general nature of these roles and suggests specific implementation strategies, which need to be pursued as an early and continuing aspect of the research enterprise. Balancing these multiple roles presents several analytical and ethical difficulties, but helps to establish credibility in both the scientific and policymaking communities.

Geographers and Policy-Making: Lessons Learned From the Failure of the New Jersey Dune Management Plan∗

“…Academic geographers can contribute to the development of management policies by proposing meritorious plans. Zelinsky (1975) and Ballard et al (1980) argued that scientists should maintain independence from politics because of the potential conflict of interest between providing objective information about a problem and taking on an advocacy position about that issue. This view promotes the image of scientists as individuals who are concerned with their work rather than with any societal responsibilities.…”