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Ideological alignment and evidence-based policy adoption

Author

Listed:
  • Garcia-Hombrados, Jorge
  • Jansen, Marcel
  • Martinez, Angel
  • Ozcan, Berkay
  • Rey-Biel, Pedro
  • Roldan-Mones, Antonio

Abstract

The implementation of evidence-based policies hinges on the dissemination of evidence to policymakers, a process influenced by the attributes of the sender. We conducted a nationwide RCT with ideologically opposite think tanks, major newspapers, and a research institution with nonsalient ideology to communicate a nonideological, cost-effective policy to local policymakers. Results show a 65 percent increase in policy adoption when informing institutions align ideologically with policymakers. We compare the impact of think tanks versus media outlets on implementation, finding both equally effective when ideologically aligned. We explore three actions where ideology may influence adoption: information exposure, belief updating and implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Garcia-Hombrados, Jorge & Jansen, Marcel & Martinez, Angel & Ozcan, Berkay & Rey-Biel, Pedro & Roldan-Mones, Antonio, 2026. "Ideological alignment and evidence-based policy adoption," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 140380, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:140380
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/140380/
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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