The Production of Social Knowledge for Public Use

Abstract

In recent years social scientists have reviewed and evaluated a number of experiences with applied social research. There is a growing consensus that social knowledge produced for policy-action purposes should be substantively different from that produced for disciplinary purposes. Not all of the research procedures developed to produce disciplinary knowledge are applicable under the conditions of policy-action research, and scientific techniques have not been developed to produce certain kinds of needed social knowledge. The organization and administrative procedures of academic institutions have been found inadequate for the production of many types of policy-action knowledge. Nevertheless, there is still widespread agreement that academic institutions should provide the basic training of policy-action researchers. With the installation of a new Democratic administration in Washington, it is reasonable to suppose that we will see a revived demand for social knowledge that can be used in the formulation of social policy and the implementation of social programs. Traditionally the administrations of Democratic presidents have sought the aid and counsel of social scientists more than have Republican administrations. It seems probable that this tradition will be carried on by the present Carter administration, especially in view of Vice President Mondale's long record of social science support, which includes his sponsorship in the Senate of the Full Opportunity and Social Accounting Act. Had it been approved, this act, among its other provisions, would have established a President's Council of Social Advisers and required the President to submit an annual Social Report to Congress (Mondale). While we social scientists may derive some pleasure from contemplating future public recognition of our value to society that fits more closely our own assessment, we might benefit more by reflecting on our capabilities to meet greater demands for social knowledge. It is perhaps fortunate that the relative neglect of social scientists in the formulation of