Enhancing Evidence-Based Policy: Principles and Practice from a Case Study of Australian Firearms Legislation

Abstract

As the value of evidence-based policy is increasingly recognised in Australia and internationally, it is incumbent upon researchers to ensure that their work is robust, appropriate in its selection of statistical methods, and based upon testable hypotheses. This caution is particularly apt for contentious areas within justice policy. This review examined strengths and weaknesses in the application of research methodology, using the often controversial example of Australian firearms legislation. Particular emphasis was given to comparing and contrasting different analysis methods. The key conclusions of each paper are examined, and contextualised against the statistical methods used. The application of basic principles such as assessing congruence between results and conclusions, as well as treating evidence as a cumulative rather than definitive process, has the ability to enhance the quality of research and policy.