Correlates of consulting research evidence among policy analysts in government ministries: a cross-sectional survey

This large cross-sectional survey of policy analysts working in Quebec ministries (Canada) shows that direct interactions with academic researchers are among the most significant correlates of the consultation of scientific articles, academic research reports and academic books/chapters, but by very little compared to other correlates such as reported access to electronic bibliographic databases, training type, continuing professional development and perceived relevance of research evidence. Many correlates were found to have similar predictive power and, taken individually, all correlates have somewhat low predictive power. Interestingly, statistical simulations show that to achieve a larger predictive power, significant correlates must be manipulated simultaneously. Large variations were observed across policy sectors.