Policy-Oriented Research

Policy-oriented research has a different orientation and goals than both policy analysis and disciplinary research. Policy-oriented research is empirical research aimed at informing policymaking. Policy analysis is the process of systematically evaluating different policy choices or policy options. Policy analysts might use the findings from policy-oriented research in their evaluations of policies rather than conduct their own empirical research. Policy-oriented research also differs from disciplinary research. Disciplinary research, and in particular disciplinary research in the social sciences, is empirical research aimed at providing a better understanding of the economic, political, and social processes of human societies. In contrast, policy-oriented research is more narrowly focused on the aspects of human societies that are targeted by government policies.