Advocacy through research

Table 9.1       Differences between the ‘engineering’ and ‘enlightenment’ models of how research influences policy

 

Engineering or problem-solving model	Enlightenment model
Sees relationship between research and policy as rational and sequential.	Sees relationship as indirect and not necessarily logical or neat.
A problem exists because basic research has identified it.	Problems are not always recognized, or at least not immediately.
Applied research is undertaken to help solve the problem.	There may be a considerable period of time between research and its impact on policy. Much research develops new ways of thinking rather than solutions to specific problems.
Research is then applied to helping solve the policy problem. Research produces a preferred policy situation.	The way in which research influences policy is complex and hidden. Policy makers may not want to act on results.
Rarely or never describes how the relationship between research and policy works in practice.	How research influences policy is indirectly via a ‘black box’, the functioning of which is hidden rather than explained.

 

Other researchers saw the use of research in the entirely political terms as an instrument to be used by government and powerful interest groups to promote their causes. This strategic models views research as ammunition to support pre-determined positions or to delay or obstruct politically uncomfortable decisions. (Weiss, 1979).