How Do Policy Makers Use Evidence? Early Findings From a Pilot Study in Australia

• In Event: Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Current Issues in the Use of Research

Abstract

Calls for the use of evidence in education policy have become increasingly widespread nationally and internationally. Despite this, there have been relatively few in-depth studies of how, when and under what conditions policy-makers use research evidence. This paper will share early findings emerging from a one-year study with the Victorian Department of Education and Training in Australia on their use of evidence in policy development. Drawing on in-depth interviews and documentary analysis with policy writers, advisors and researchers who worked on two specific policies, it sheds new light on how evidence is (and is not) used and the complexities that are involved in the process. It makes links to wider debates around the ‘political uses’ of expert knowledge (Boswell, 2009).

Authors

• Mark Rickinson, Monash Univeristy

• Matthew Hall, Monash University

• Catriona de Bruin, Monash University

• Lucas Walsh, Monash University