Table of Contents

Introducing the issues; What does it mean to 'use' research?; What shapes the use of research?; Descriptive models of the research impact process; Improving the use of research: What's been tried and what might work?; What can we learn from the literatures on learning, knowledge management and the diffusion of innovations?; Improving research use in practice contexts; Improving research use in policy contexts; How can we assess research use and wider research impact?; Drawing some conclusions on "Using evidence".

About the Author

Sandra Nutley is Professor of Public Policy and Management and Director of the Research Unit for Research Utilisation (RURU), University of St Andrews. Isabel Walter is Senior Research Fellow at the Research Unit of Research Utilisation, University of St Andrews. Huw Davies is Professor of Health Policy and Management and Director of the Centre for Public Policy and Management, University of St Andrews.

Reviews

"Anyone who has ever written or uttered the words 'evidence-based policy' should read this outstanding book. So should anyone else who has hopes for increasing the rationality of policy or practice through reference to systematic inquiry. The volume unpacks the meanings and assumptions embedded in 'evidence-based policy', illustrates its successes and shortfalls, looks at alternative perspectives on the junction of research and practice, and suggests documented ways to improve the engagement of research with policy and practice. This sophisticated book will challenge some current beliefs and offer better grounded and more realistic aspirations." Carol H. Weiss, Beatrice B. Whiting Professor Emerita, Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA