Communicating psychology to policy, what’s the problem?

Abstract

The Covid–19 pandemic has demonstrated the desire of government to implement evidence–based behavioural policies. However, questions still remain as to how scientists communicate effectively with policymakers. Ferguson (2015) discusses the contributory role of public mistrust in psychological science, due to internal issues such as the replication crisis and questionable research practices. I suggest that there is a more fundamental disconnect between psychologists and policymakers. More pertinent barriers to effective communication are the differential aims of understanding versus influencing behaviour, and the tension between maintaining objectivity and engaging with advocacy.