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.
Table of Contents:
Part I Principles of Policy Research
1. Introduction to Policy Research
2. Be Real: Navigating the Policy Research Terrain
3. Be Creative: Policy Research with the Artisan’s Touch
4. Be Credible: Using the Policy Research Toolbox
5. Be Useful: Developing and Delivering Actionable Information
Part II Cases in Policy Research
6. Using Research to Refine Quality Standards: The Evolution of Communities in Schools’ Total Quality System (TQS)
7. The Dropout Prevention Mentor Project: Delivering Unexpected Messages Through Policy Research
8. The Use of Applied Policy Research to Inform and Reform Statewide Dropout Policies
9. Political Statement or Effective Policy? Comparing Implementation of State Bullying Laws
10. Intervention Effectiveness in Real-World Settings: The National Cross-Site Evaluation of High Risk Youth Programs
11. What to Do about Scrap Tires? Options for Productive Waste Management
12. Keys to Success for Transit Tax Initiatives: Repeated Research for Policy Learning
13. High-Speed Rail Workforce Development: An Estimation Problem
14. Climate Change Adaptation: An Assessment of Accomplishments at the Community Level
15. Housing Sales in Urban Neighborhoods: Using Policy Research to Inform Planning
16. Evaluation of the California Ignition Interlock Pilot Program: A Policy Experiment
17. Information for Community Policing: Cops on the Beat in the 21st Century
18. When the Process Is the Question: Resource Family Recruitment in Los Angeles, CA
19. Debt Burdens of California State and Local Governments: Are They Too Large?
20. Deinstitutionalization and Community Services in Virginia: A Policy Assessment
21. Case Study Lessons
About the Author :
J. Fred Springer is Research Director for EMT Associates, Inc., and Professor Emeritus in Policy Analysis at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Peter Haas has been an active contributor and principle investigator for a number of primarily transportation-related research projects, including work sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the California Department of Transportation, and the Mineta Transportation Institute. Each of these projects will provide additional perspective for the text, as well as case study material.
