This volume investigates the structural and functional barriers preventing effective collaboration between psychological researchers and public policy makers. The editors, drawing from the proceedings of the fifth Houston Symposium, compile contributions from experts in clinical, social, and organizational psychology to propose a framework for integrating empirical research into the legislative and administrative processes of public policy development.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational document for understanding the historical challenges of applying behavioral science to public administration. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which reflects the formal symposium setting of the original contributions.