Rationality in Context
Regulatory Science and the Best Scientific Method
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 5409478 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Oliver Todt (0000-0001-9363-0543, Universitat de les Illes Balears, corresponding author), José Luis Luján (0000-0002-8829-0609, Universitat de les Illes Balears) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1086-1108 |
| Publication date | 2022-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Science Technology & Human Values (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0162-2439 • E-ISSN: 1552-8251 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/01622439211027639 |
| OpenAlex | W3182152840 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 5 |
| References cited | 31 |
Is there such a thing as a "best scientific methodology" in regulatory (decision-oriented) science? By examining cases from varying regulatory processes, we argue that there is no best scientific method for generating decision-relevant data. In addition, in regulatory science, the most suitable methodologies often differ from what is considered best practice in knowledge-oriented (academic) science. In data generation for regulatory purposes, we are faced with a wide spectrum of preferred methodologies as well as controversy as to methodological choice. What goes by the most adequate scientific method can and will-justifiably and rationally-vary significantly according to context and use. In order to make this argument, we analyze four case studies, two from risk assessment and two from benefit assessment. Our analysis shows that it is the noncognitive objectives of a particular regulatory process that determine what counts as the most appropriate scientific method. We use the concept of bounded rationality to indicate that those methodological choices, despite being context-dependent, can be interpreted as rational
Best practice · Bounded rationality · Economics · Epistemology · Management science · Political science · Rationality · Regulatory science · Computer Science · Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life · Law · Pharmaceutical industry and healthcare · Regulation and Compliance Studies · Artificial Intelligence
A catalytic regulatory framework for accelerating sustainable innovation
How do regulatory agencies justify their investments in regulatory science and innovation? An examination of FDA's congressional budget justifications
Isis Current Bibliography of the History of Science and Its Cultural Influence 2023
Evidence‐based policies
Methodological tensions in risk assessment and benefit assessment
Explaining Science
Evidence-Based Policy
Is a Little Pollution Good for You?
Science, Policy, and the Value-Free Ideal
Rational choice and the structure of the environment.
Tainted
International legislation on nutrition and health claims
Manufacturing Uncertainty
Epistemic Values and the Argument from Inductive Risk
| Unique citing works | 5 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1,67 |
| Citation span | 2023 - 2026 (4) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |