Policymakers do not have the ability to consider all evidence relevant to policy problems. Instead, they employ two kinds of shortcuts: rational, by pursuing clear goals and prioritizing certain kinds and sources of information, and irrational, by drawing on emotions, gut feelings, deeply held beliefs, and habits to make decisions quickly.
In his book, The Politics of Evidence-Based Policymaking, Paul Cairney identifies practical consequences for actors trying to maximize the uptake of scientific evidence within government. His conclusion has profound implications for the role of science and scientific experts in policymaking. Cairney believes scientists have a stark choice: to produce information and accept it will have a limited impact—but maintain for scientists an often useful image of objectivity—or go beyond their comfort zone and expertise to increase impact at the expense of objectivity.
Speakers
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Brett Davidson
Speaker
Until November 2021, Brett Davidson was director of the Media and Narratives Division of the Open Society Public Health Program.
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Paul Cairney
Speaker
Paul Cairney is professor of politics and public policy at the University of Stirling in Scotland.
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Voices
The Dangerous Gap Between Scientific Evidence and Policymaking Decisions
Paul Cairney discusses his new book on how scientists should frame their work for lawmakers.
Faith and Healing
Q&A: Preaching Harm Reduction
By bringing harm reduction to the faith community, Faith in Public Life is using the church to save lives in the face of the overdose crisis.
Event Recap
The Way the U.S. Regulates Methadone Isn’t Working
A new documentary takes a close look at how methadone is used in the United States today, while raising profound questions about the purpose of antidrug policies and the benefits of harm reduction.