Social scientists are increasingly involved in the work of appocnted commissions. As
advisers, consultants, or members of such bodies, social scientists may have an oppor
tunity to promote the use of social science knowledge in the policymaking process.
Based on existing literature, a model for analyzing the behavior of commissions is developed, and the role of social science in the model is discussed. The model is then
applied to the case of Boston's Safe Schools Commission. Data on how social science
was used by this commission are used to suggest several modifications to the model
Despite many constraints that prevent commissions from taking full advantage of social
science, it is concluded that they frequently provide a significant vehicle for increasing
the influence of social science on policy.
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