The paper discusses problems faced by policy makers in utilizing social science research in decision making on educational issues and problems. The term social science research is interpreted as including both educational evaluation and educational research. The history of social science research and critical issues associated with social science research and public policy formulation are discussed. A review of decision making indicates that public policy makers have sought social science input on crucial issues such as resource management from the earliest days of recorded history. Foci of the paper are: (1) the user of social science research, particularly political committees composed of local, state, and federal politicians, and the courts; (2) the producer of social science research who fulfills roles of advocate and scholar and must deal with societal forces which act to control the direction of social science research; (3) social science research as a systematic area of inquiry in spite of its many data and implementation limitations; and (4) the demand for social science research. Recommendations to improve the quality and utilization of social science research are suggested, including examination of the advocacy role of researchers, inclusion of more women and minorities in research efforts, less reliance on linear models of analysis, and additional data usage. (Author/DB)