The limitations of quantitative social science for informing public policy

Jerrim, J., de Vries, Robert (2017) The limitations of quantitative social science for informing public policy. Evidence and Policy, 13 (1). pp. 117-133. ISSN 1744-2648. E-ISSN 1744-2656. (doi:10.1332/174426415X14431000856662) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:50623)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/174426415X14431000856662

Abstract

Quantitative social science (QSS) has the potential to make an important contribution to public policy. However it also has a number of limitations, many of which are unknown or poorly understood by those not familiar with quantitative methodology. The aim of this paper is to explain these limitations to a non-specialist audience and to identify a number of ways in which QSS research could be improved to better inform public policy.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1332/174426415X14431000856662
Uncontrolled keywords:	Independent verification; replication; publication bias; statistical uncertainty; public policy.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Institutional Unit:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Former Institutional Unit:	Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User:	Robert De Vries
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2015 10:51 UTC
Last Modified:	20 May 2025 13:56 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/50623 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

de Vries, Robert.

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6776-836X
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