Synopses & Reviews
Many textbooks on policy research focus on methodological and statistical theories, while leaving students little indication of how they will actually apply them to their future policy positions. Moreover, the theories they do teach are often not practical for the research that students will do upon entering the workforce.
This book takes theories of policy research and puts them into practice, demystifying the subject by translating it into real world situations in which students can actively engage. Divided into two parts, the book begins with an orientation and overview of policy theory, outlining the processes of policy analysis and evaluation from start to finish. The second part offers actual case studies of how these theories play out in real policy situations. Each chapter is presented in a uniform format allowing students to see in detail how each step is carried out: introducing the agency and research needs; identifying the research problem, the decision context and challenges presented by this problem; describing the policy research techniques used; and summarizing the outcomes of this research, drawing conclusions on its efficacy and placing it in the broader context of general research. Illustrative figures help students understand the stages of policy research. And end-of-chapter tools such as discussion questions, assignments and activities, and the case study at a glance, help students master not only the particulars of each case but the broader skills needed in future research.
In this new edition, a new chapter has been added to reflect current trends in research such as:
- evidence-based policies, programs, and practices
- performance monitoring and quality control
- cost effectiveness
- new systems to inform the need and status of social, health, education, and economic conditions.
New cases capture these current approaches and are now grouped according to types of policy research. Ideal for masters programs in public administration and public policy, Applied Policy Research is critical for preparing students for their future policy analysis and program evaluation positions.
Synopsis
Where many textbooks on policy research focus on methodological and statistical theories, leaving students to wonder how they will apply those theories to their future policy positions, this innovative textbook takes theories of policy research and puts them into practice, demystifying the subject by translating it into real world situations in which students can actively engage. Beginning with an orientation and overview of policy research, outlining the processes of policy analysis and evaluation from start to finish, Applied Policy Research, 2e then walks students through an examination of case studies to demonstrate how these theories play out in real policy situations. New to this edition:
- A completely rewritten Part I including several new chapters to incorporate the latest developments in applicable policy research design, implementation, and products that convey a useful framework for understanding the perspectives and skills necessary to conduct useful policy research.
- A matrix at the start of Part II to easily identify how each of the fifteen case study chapters correspond with concepts and topics presented in Part I, providing a guide on where to look for a specific real-life example of a given topic or concept. Each case is drawn from real instances of policy research, that provide students with the opportunity to consider and learn how to grapple with the challenges posed by the needs of public programs and agencies. Cases include local, state, and nonprofit agencies as well as federal-state-local intergovernmental 'hybrids.'
- Each chapter is presented in a uniform format allowing students to see in detail how each step in the process is carried out: (1) a detailed description of a policy research problem; (2) a discussion of the unique challenges posed by the problem; (3) a description of the policy research techniques used; (4) a summary of the outcomes or conclusions associated with the research as it was conducted; and (5) conclusions about the implications or lessons for policy research.
Illustrative figures help students understand the stages of policy research, and end-of-chapter tools such as discussion questions, assignments and activities, and case studies 'at a glance' help students master not only the particulars of each case but the broader skills needed in future research. This book will be essential reading in all policy research courses with a focus on practical outcomes and student preparation for public service.