...or efficacious interventions associated with particular problems. In some cases, this pattern has led to ill-conceived and fragmented policy approaches that produce deleterious and unintended consequences for children, youths, and families (Jenson & Fraser, 2006).

Many scholars recognize that stronger links between researchers and advocates are necessary to develop empirically based social policy (for example, Aber, Bishop-Josef, Jones, McLearn, & Phillips, 2006). Unfortunately, empirical evidence is often not conveyed systematically by many policy advocacy experts. In some settings, this may occur because evidence simply fails to reach advocacy groups who are in a position to influence social policy. In other instances, the failure to communicate research findings to policy advocates may be attributed to a disinterest on the part of investigators. Finally, empirical evidence that is disseminated for use by advocacy groups is frequently conveyed in a manner that makes little sense to public officials.

Similarly, the application of research findings to social policy directives has also been hindered by a lack of conceptual frameworks to aid investigators and policymakers in translating empirical evidence into information that is useful in policy debates. Succinct and coherent conceptual models are needed to convey research findings to elected officials in a manner...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



Looking for additional articles?
Search our database of over 3 million articles.

Looking for more in-depth information on this industry?
Search our complete database of Industry & Market reports by text, subject, publication name or publication date.

About Goliath
Whether you're looking for sales prospects, competitive information, company analysis or best practices in managing your organization, Goliath can help you meet your business needs.

Our extensive business information databases empower business professionals with both the breadth and depth of credible, authoritative information they need to support their business goals. Whether it be strategic planning, sales prospecting, company research or defining management best practices - Goliath is your leading source for accurate information.