PART II ANALYZING PUBLIC POLICY

The Nature of Policy Analysis 121

Steps in the Policy Analysis Process 123

Define and Analyze the Problem 125

Construct Policy Alternatives 126

Choose Evaluative Criteria 127

Assess the Alternatives 129

Draw Conclusions 130

Types of Policy Analysis 131

Scientific Approaches 134

Professional Approaches 134

Political Approaches 136

What Kind of Analysis Is Needed? 136

Deal with Root Causes or Make Pragmatic Adjustments? 136

Comprehensive Analysis or Short-Term Policy Relevance? 138

Consensual or Contentious Analysis? 139

Reliance on Rational Analysis or Democratic Politics? 140

Other Aspects of Policy Analysis 140

Conclusions 142

Discussion Questions 142

Keywords 143

Suggested Readings 143

Suggested Websites 143

Leading General Journals of Public Policy 144

Major Professional Newsweeklies with Policy Coverage 144

Notes 144