What are the similarities and differences in the roles economists play as policy advisors and as scientists?

Answer 1

Hummm, what an opened ended question. Economists are both policy advisors and scientists. Here are a couple of quick thoughts. A scientist wants to base his finding and a advisor wants to base his recommendations on hard, reliable, and repeatable data. However, often, an advisor must advocate a subjective position. For example, notions of economic equity is rather subjective. Contrast this to the scientist who deals in cold hard facts.

Answer 2

Thanks for your answer...so, considering that....How would advice offered to policy makers differ depending on which role an economist assumes?