I think it all begins with the research motives (or more positively 'motivation') being clearly stated by the funders and researchers and the research proving beneficial to the population. Among other factors would include respondents participation. Was it voluntary? Were they aware how information they provided would be used? or did they *actually* participate on the research? (there have been incidents where research data and findings were cooked up in hotel rooms then given to media blitz :) In short, research transparency is a prerequisite. Another example, would findings on software 'piracy' data from research funded by proprietary software interest groups stand the litmus test? If any of above is evident, then the research risks being rubbished by official policy makers. Caution: This is NOT in response to below mentioned research but considering several examples of such other 'research' findings just felt compelled to share it. Alex On Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 10:03 AM, Edith Adera <eadera@idrc.or.ke> wrote:

Does research influence public policy and decision-making and, if so, how? This book is the most recent to address this question, investigating the effects of research in the field of international development. It starts from a sophisticated understanding about how research influences public policy and decision-making. It shows how research can contribute to better governance in at least three ways: by encouraging open inquiry and debate, by empowering people with the knowledge to hold governments accountable, and by enlarging the array of policy options and solutions available to the policy process.