Policy Analysis

This chapter discusses the role of economics in positivist policy analysis, examines Bardach’s Eightfold Path in policy analysis, and discusses tools used in policy analysis. In a world of clear separation of jurisdictional duties and powers, clear policy goals, and complete and perfect information, policy analysis could focus solely on the issue of costs and benefits. Auguste Comte is a foundational figure in the positivist approach used in most public policy analyses. Policy analysts are concerned primarily with empirically grounded theory. With policy theory in hand, a policy analyst can determine which data are most relevant in studying particular policy problems. Theory guides data collection and increases the efficiency of the process of information gathering. Cost-benefit analysis compares the amount of expected or known benefits produced from a particular policy choice with the expected or known costs associated with that choice. Public opinion can shape policy alternatives.