ABSTRACT
Marty attitudinal surveys conducted in the past decade or so have included questions on topics relating to the production and use of material and, especially, energy resources. In presenting the results of these surveys, the researchers have often suggested or asserted that they hold significance for public policymaking, and indeed one might expect this to be so. However, since most policymakers are not themselves experts in attitudinal research, it cannot be taken for granted that they can or will make proper use of the data. On the one hand, for example, the researchers may not be measuring what the policymakers really want to know, or they may not be asking the right people. On the other hand, the policymakers may not possess a sufficient understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the whole approach to permit an appropriate interpretation of the results.
