Is Social Science Research Useful to State Legislators?

Abstract

We examine whether social science research can influence state legislation and elaborate on why social scientists may sometimes fail to have an impact. To begin, we construct a simple model of the policy process in which social scientists supply research to legislators, which they then use to fashion bills into law. Next, we discuss the risks that may prevent achievement of this depiction and how legislators, other policy groups, and social scientists themselves may act to compromise the process. Afterward, we offer actions that may enhance the chances that research will be used by legislators.