Politics,Policy and Research Synthesis

Abstract

Speeches and Addresses is an occasional feature, not in article format, in which presentations at conferences and other public gatherings are seen as likely to be of interest to a wider audience. Sometimes these speeches and addresses will undoubtedly be contentious, in which case responses and counter-arguments are to be expected and are welcome. Contributions to this section are intended to make accessible relevant material for academic, policy-making and practitioner audiences.

The following address is by Eleanor Chelimsky, who at the time it was given was Assistant Comptroller General for Program Evaluation and Methodology in the United States General Accounting Office. This was a 'Keynote Address' at the National Conference on Research Synthesis sponsored by the Russell Sage Foundation, Washington DC, in June 1994.