However, it must be remembered that policy issu
are decided not
by analysts but by
political acto
ele
ed and appointed government official
interest groups, and
occasiona
even voters. Social science research often does notfare well in the political
arena; it may be interpreted, misinterpreted
ignored, or even
used as a wea
n by
political combatants. Policy analysis sometimes produces unexpected and even politi-
cally embarrassing findings. Public policies do not always work as intended. And
political interests will accept, reject, or use findings to fit their own purposes.