Methods for policy research / Ann Majchrzak ; with foreword by Amitai Etzioni.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Majchrzak, Ann.

Series:

Applied social research methods series ; v. 3.

Applied social research methods series ; v. 3

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Policy sciences--Research.

Policy sciences.

Physical Description:

111 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Beverly Hills : Sage, [1984]

Summary:

The analysis of policies with a view to changing them is the subject of this book. Written by an expert on policy research, it shows ways of presenting alternatives to policy-makers with the emphasis on communicating the value and applicability of the research that backs up the policy options. The author employs a pragmatic approach that deals with real world issues, and which presents the processes involved in a step-by-step manner.

Contents:

1 The Nature of Policy Research 11

Policy Research Defined 12

Context of Policy Research 14

Types of Policy Research 15

Characteristics of Policy Research Studies 18

The Policy Research Process 20

2 Preparing for a Policy Research Study 23

Focus of Information Inquiry 24

Steps to Information Inquiry 32

Decision to Conduct the Study 40

3 Conceptualizing the Policy Research Study 43

Develop a Preliminary Model of the Social Problem 43

Formulate Specific Research Questions 47

Select Research Investigators 52

4 Technical Analysis 55

Operationalization of Variables 55

Design of Study Methodology 58

Developing Tentative Policy Recommendations 71

5 Analvsis of Study Recommendations 75

Analysis of Implementation Parameters 76

Predict Potential Consequences of Recommendations 83

Estimating the Probability of Implementation 85

Preparation of Final Recommendations 86

6 Communicating Policy Research to Policymakers 91

Guideline 1 Communicate Throughout the Study 92

Guideline 2 Communicate to Different Users 94

Guideline 3 Effective Presentation Creates the Basis for Good Communication 95

Guideline 4 Oral Communication Is Usually More Effective than Written 100.

Notes:

Includes index.

Bibliography: pages 105-109.

ISBN:

0803920598

0803920601

OCLC:

10753330