'This is essential reading for anyone interested in how evidence and policy interact in the
real world. Paul Cairney plots an entertaining course outlining the main debates of the
evidence-based policy movement drawing on up-to-date research and fascinating case studies to
show what can realistically be expected of science and of policy. Full of succinct overviews
of theoretical and empirical research this is where I'll be sending students and colleagues
for an informative read.'- Dr Kathryn Oliver University of Oxford UK 'How can policymaking
make best use of evidence? We expect policymakers to follow a transparent and systematic
process and scientists to understand that actors use evidence selectively in a politically
heated debate. Cairney helps us appreciate these challenges explaining how policymakers
understand and use evidence and inviting scientists to reflect on how they can be effective in
that context.'- Professor Brian Head FASSA The University of Queensland Australia 'If you're
interested in evidence-based policy making (EBPM) then this is a must read. In this persuasive
and highly readable book Paul Cairney draws insights from policy theory to articulate a
pragmatic view of EBPM where scientific evidence is just one of the resources used by the many
actors involved in the political systems which shape policy. He demonstrates why scientists
need to adapt to the demands of real world policymaking rather than hanker after an unrealistic
(and undesirable) scenario where policymaking is less messy and scientific evidence plays a
more decisive role. He provides helpful guidance for scientists on how they can adapt and
engage with real world policy making and delivery.'- Professor Sandra Nutley University of St
Andrews UK The Politics of Evidence Based Policymaking identifies how to work with
policymakers to maximize the use of scientific evidence. Policymakers cannot consider all
evidence relevant to policy problems. They use two shortcuts: 'rational' ways to gather enough
evidence and 'irrational' decision-making drawing on emotions beliefs and habits. Most
scientific studies focus on the former. They identify uncertainty when policymakers have
incomplete evidence and try to solve it by improving the supply of information. They do not
respond to ambiguity or the potential for policymakers to understand problems in very
different ways. A good strategy requires advocates to be persuasive: forming coalitions with
like-minded actors and accompanying evidence with simple stories to exploit the emotional or
ideological biases of policymakers. Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy
University of Stirling. His research interests are in comparative public policy including:
comparisons of policy theories (Understanding Public Policy 2012) outcomes in different
countries (Global Tobacco Control 2012) and UK and devolved policymaking (Scottish Politics
2013).
