Research and policy in teachers’ organizations

This paper explores the continuing need to achieve further understanding of the influence of research on educational policy. The central theme of this paper is an argument in favour of conducting empirical studies, at a level intended to facilitate limited generalization, of the factors which affect research utilization by specific groups. After a review of some of the existing literature in the field of research utilization, it is suggested that attention could profitably be directed to the use of research by non‐governmental bodies which are actors in the policy process. The major teachers' unions are used as an example, and it is further suggested that these lend themselves to a cross‐national study. The relationship of the studies advocated to existing theoretical knowledge is discussed.