The politics of research-information use in the education policy arena

Once research results have been produced, how are they used? This article e xamines the politics of using information generated by research. The value- laden nature of any research provides policy makers with an important resou rce to further their political agendas. information can be subject to numer ous interpretations. Those policy makers who are skillful in using research information can frame the issues and solutions in ways that are compatible with their interests. In terms of influencing public policy, how policy ma kers use research findings may be as important as the findings themselves.