Morrell, Kevin and Lucas, Jeffrey W. (2012) The replication problem and its implications for policy studies. Critical Policy Studies , Volume 6 (Number 2). pp. 182-200. doi:10.1080/19460171.2012.689738

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Abstract

In this article we re-examine the epistemological basis for claims to ‘best evidence’ and ‘best practice’ in policy studies by tracing these to a Popperian model of theory development and testing. This model outlines how only scientific explanations that survive repeated testing count as good theory. Yet repeated testing (replication) is scarce across the social sciences – this is the ‘replication problem’. More specifically, the lack of replications in policy studies undermines the epistemological basis for policy transfer based on ‘best practice’ and ‘best evidence’. To resolve this, we offer an innovative explanation of the replication problem drawing on Foucault's concept of Episteme. In doing so, we outline two respectively different accounts of replication: ‘scientific project,’ and ‘aesthetic object.’ The latter offers alternative bases from which to pursue ‘best practice’ and ‘best evidence’.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School > International Centre for Governance & Public Management Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School > Strategy & International Business Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Journal or Publication Title:	Critical Policy Studies
Publisher:	Routledge
ISSN:	1946-0171
Official Date:	August 2012
Dates:	Date Event August 2012 Published
Volume:	Volume 6
Number:	Number 2
Page Range:	pp. 182-200
DOI:	10.1080/19460171.2012.689738
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published

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