The Role of Research in the Development of U.S. Federal Alcohol Control Policy

Abstract

In the development of federal alcohol control policy, is research used merely to inform policymakers and the public, or to persuade them? Is it critical to the enactment of public policy, or is it an afterthought? To answer these questions, we analyzed in-depth interviews with federal alcohol policy community members, including those of the executive and legislative branches, interest group representatives, advocates, and media professionals. A snowball sampling strategy was used to collect 64 interviews. Informants were asked to respond in free narrative to questions about the role of research in policymaking generally and in instances known to the informant personally. Interview data were coded for demographics and content was analyzed. We also examined governmental documents pertaining to policies mentioned by subjects. Respondents perceived scientific information as only one of many levers relevant to the policymaking process, its role significantly constrained by rules governing policymaking strategy.