Examines what can and should be done to clarify and/or resolve scientific conflicts with policy implications. Includes a typology for classifying controversies, mechanisms, and objectives with regard to scientific disputes with policy implications. This apparatus aims to show the differences in disputes and in approaches to deal with them. (JN)

Stresses that the psychological community should be involved in shaping public policy for children, youth, and families who will be adversely affected by proposed Federal budget cuts in social programs. Summarizes issues discussed in the articles that follow in the same volume. (MJL)

Examines family policy and family impact analysis in relation to concepts such as policy, policy analysis, social policy, social policy analysis, and social impact assessment. It attempts to arrive at definitional clarity and contribute to the developing conceptualization of family policy and family impact analysis. (Author)

Discusses two views of the relationship between technical issues and policy decisions. Also discusses the "burden-of-proof" issue, distributional issues, and issues related to public participation and decision making. Indicates a need for greater introspection into nontechnical values and preferences affecting the selection of evidence and its…

Discusses the federal government's progress toward the formation of a national energy policy and briefly describes the energy activities of government agencies, especially the Department of Energy. (SK)

Encourages family scientists to participate in legislative activities in their own states. Suggests skills, strategies, and tactics to ensure any foray into legislative arena is of high quality and maximum value. Includes practical tips on how to avoid common mistakes. (Author/ABL)

Psychologists have participated actively in the recent transformation of policy regarding domestic violence. Expert witnesses have provided testimony rebutting myths that prevented battered women who killed their abusers from receiving fair trials. Psychologists' testimony on the battered women's perceptions of danger is now commonly accepted. (KH)

Despite passage of laws regarding sex equity in education, full equity has yet to be attained. Psychologists have identified educational inequities and have provided educators with research-based programs, practices, and policies. But more research is needed to guide cost-effective policy formation and to identify the subtler forms of inequity.…

Symposium participants identified policy issues in these areas related to alternative education for at-risk youth: choice, equity, public perception, definition, philosophy, stakeholder involvement, evaluation, staffing, curriculum, governance, and financing. Public discourse and policy discussion were considered essential to implementing…

While some teachers think cable television broadcasts of congressional proceedings reveal how public policy is made, others feel it is not a representative view, has limited access, and contains little useful material for the time required to obtain it. (MSE)

Many scientists and policymakers are urging the federal government to set priorities for the scientific projects the government should support, but few can agree on how those priorities should be determined or on how much say researchers should have in the process. (MLW)

Highlights psychologists' roles and contributions to policy development in the areas of employment, deinstitutionalization, family violence, science and technology, and education. Focuses on psychologists' participation in creating policies that respond to the realities of women's changing social roles. (KH)

Reviews the environmental research of the California Institute of Technology. Caltech's environmental quality laboratory brings together scientists, engineers, and economists to tackle interdisciplinary problems that have implications for public policy. (Author/CO)

Health educators must complement individual-level change with communitywide policy and legislative initiatives, focusing on environmental issues such as air pollution, ozone layer depletion, and toxic waste disposal. Recent increases in discomfort and disease related to the physical environment call for immediate action from health professionals…

This overview of the Irish educational system examines vocational education and training, the role of the European Union, legislative measures, and institutional reforms. The following challenges are discussed: economic infrastructure, skill shortages, and the inclusiveness of the educational system. (SK)