Commentary on 'General Theory on Translating Research into Policy and Practice'

摘要

I agree with many of Professor Rogers's points about putting research findings into use in the form of programs and policies, especially about the degree of difficulty that can be encountered. It is interesting to note, though not reassuring, that this difficulty in implementing research-based countermeasures to improve traffic safety is shared by all other fields. However, as Professor Rogers points out, there are strategies that can be followed to bring about innovation that is based on research. Simply knowing that something works does not make it easy to get it put in place. Just as frustrating are the policies that are put in place and do not work. Professor Rogers uses the DARE program as an example of the latter. Driver education programs are another example. His explanation of why an unsuccessful program can continue to be utilized has some good lessons. But as the theme of this workshop asks, what can researchers do to improve the odds that the results of their work will lead to real world changes? In this field mat means lives saved, injuries prevented, and tragedies avoided.