2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1. Establish the problem 2.Formulate theoretical hypothesis 3.Refine the hypothesis 4. Create research design 5. Collect data 6. Test hypothesis, 7. Evaluate & conclude 8. Re-test (replicate)

3. Modeling Public Policy Competing Theories of the Policy Process A. What are Models?

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. (neo)Institutional Rationalism Incrementalism Punctuated Equalibrium Group/Pluralism Elite Public Choice Game theory Systems theory Stages Approach

8. 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:

10. How do we apply theories & models?

11. 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

12. 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