Understanding evidence use within education policy: a policy narrative perspective

Mark Rickinson, Lucas Walsh, Kate De Bruin, Matthew Hall

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

Abstract

There are growing calls for improved understandings of the role of evidence within policy development. There is long-standing recognition of the role of narratives and narrative processes in public policy. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of policy narratives as a way to make sense of evidence use in policy. Drawing on an exploratory study of evidence use by Australian education policymakers, we describe how policy narratives emerged as a recurring theme and repeated reference point. Building on these findings, we argue that policy narratives deserve greater attention and discussion within the field of evidence use.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)235-252
Number of pages18
JournalEvidence and Policy
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2019

Keywords

  • policy narrative
  • evidence use
  • Policy
  • Education

Cite this

Rickinson, Mark ; Walsh, Lucas ; De Bruin, Kate ; Hall, Matthew. / Understanding evidence use within education policy : a policy narrative perspective. In: Evidence and Policy. 2019 ; Vol. 15, No. 2. pp. 235-252.
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Rickinson, M, Walsh, L, De Bruin, K & Hall, M 2019, 'Understanding evidence use within education policy: a policy narrative perspective' Evidence and Policy, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 235-252. https://doi.org/10.1332/174426418X15172393826277

Understanding evidence use within education policy : a policy narrative perspective. / Rickinson, Mark; Walsh, Lucas; De Bruin, Kate; Hall, Matthew.

In: Evidence and Policy, Vol. 15, No. 2, 05.2019, p. 235-252.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

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AB - There are growing calls for improved understandings of the role of evidence within policy development. There is long-standing recognition of the role of narratives and narrative processes in public policy. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of policy narratives as a way to make sense of evidence use in policy. Drawing on an exploratory study of evidence use by Australian education policymakers, we describe how policy narratives emerged as a recurring theme and repeated reference point. Building on these findings, we argue that policy narratives deserve greater attention and discussion within the field of evidence use.

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KW - evidence use

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Rickinson M, Walsh L, De Bruin K, Hall M. Understanding evidence use within education policy: a policy narrative perspective. Evidence and Policy. 2019 May;15(2):235-252. https://doi.org/10.1332/174426418X15172393826277

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