Quixotic Communication

When social science knowledge is passed from the frame of reference of social scientist to the frame of reference of the problem-solving professional, a transformation in meaning of the knowledge occurs. The specific instance this article investigates involves the attempt to communicate social science knowledge, in the form of expert witness testimony, between a social scientist on the one hand, and the different attorneys and presiding examiner on the other, in the setting of an administrative hearing. To explain the transformation in meaning that is observed to take place, the article applies Schutz's analysis of Don Quixote: How a social scientist and an attorney attempt to communicate is no different from how Don Quixote and Sancho Panza attempt to communicate. Actions that can be taken to prevent Quixotic communication are recommended, and implications for the utilization of social science knowledge in other applied settings are examined.