Better Communication Could Help Clear Up Confusion Over 'Silly' Research Grants

A Congressional Subcommittee asked GAO to obtain information on social science research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to find out whether NSF is awarding "silly grants" and whether the grants are duplicating other research funded by NSF or other agencies. NSF relies heavily on its peer review system as the main procedure which is intended to ensure that quality social science research is funded and that duplication does not occur, although NSF has other procedures as well. External oversight advisory committees of scientists periodically review the social science programs.