Quiz 1

Mean 1.308823529Median 1.5Mode 0Standard Deviation 1.101064952Range 3Minimum 0Maximum 3Count 34

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. Establish the problem2 .Formulate theoretical hypothesis3 .Refine the hypothesis 4. Create research design 5. Collect data6. Test hypothesis,7. Evaluate & conclude8. Re-test (replicate)

Modeling Public Policy

Competing Theories of the Policy Process

A. What are Models?

Modeling Public Policy

Competing Theories of the Policy Process

A. What are Models?

B. Models are based on theory. • A theory is a set of logically related set of

statements, including some law like generalizations, that are empirically testable.

How do we know if a theory or models is useful or helpful?

• Order and simplify reality

• Models help identify what is significant.

• Models should be congruent with reality.

• Models should provide meaningful communication.

• Models should suggest explanations.

• Models should direct inquiry and research.

where should we look when studying policy? Models help us answer this question

Day to day decisionmaking

Statutory language

Policy outcomes/effects

Individuals

Institutions

Groups

Elite

(neo)Institutional

Rationalism

Incrementalism

Punctuated Equalibrium

Group/Pluralism

Elite

Public Choice

Game theory

Systems theory

Stages Approach

Stages of the Policy Process

The policy formulation process:

The leadership selection process:

The Interest Group Process:

Opinion Making process:

Policy Legitimation process:

Policy Implementation:

Policy Evaluation Process:

How do we apply theories & models?

Policy Formulation

• Who are the major actors?

• Who are generating the policy ideas?

• Players– Foundations

• Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation

– Think Tanks• Brookings Institute; American Enterprise Institute• Council on Foreign Relations; Trilateral Commission• Council on Economic Development; Business Roundtable

How do these organizations influence the policy process?

• By defining social problems

• Defining the set of possible solutions

• In other words, setting the policy agenda