Policy Analysis as Problem Solving

A Flexible and Evidence-Based Framework

Rachel Meltzer, Alex Schwartz

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781040276921
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Sociology
• Index: Social Sciences

In Policy Analysis as Problem Solving, authors Rachel Meltzer and Alex Schwartz provide a pragmatic yet fresh and original approach to the field. Emphasizing the importance of evidence and sound logic and drawing upon multiple perspectives and methods, the book guides readers through the process of making evidence-based decisions about policies. It offers a series of clear and comprehensive discussions about the key elements of the analytical process, beginning with steps to define the problem all the way until analysts arrive at a recommendation.

The authors break from traditional approaches in their embrace of analytical flexibility and illustrate a broader framework for thinking about policy, both empowering and equipping readers to marshal a diverse array of evidence, techniques, and evaluative criteria in their analyses. Case studies threaded throughout the book illustrate the different ways in which problems can be framed and the kinds of policies and criteria that may flow from these alternative framings. Focusing on child support, voter turnout, water shortage, and short-term rental platforms, they also reveal the challenges and imperfect conditions that analysts encounter in the real world.

Bolstered by an expanded scope, updates to its case studies, and refinements to its central arguments, the second edition of Policy Analysis as Problem Solving remains an excellent go-to resource for students and aspiring analysts in policy analysis and public policy courses.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 What Is Policy Analysis?: Mainstream and Alternative Perspectives
• Chapter 2 Defining the Problem and Setting the Stage
• Chapter 3 Devising Alternative Policy Options
• Chapter 4 Objectives and Criteria
• Chapter 5 Technical Aspects of Policy Analysis: Discounting, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
• Chapter 6 Analysis and Making Recommendations
• Chapter 7 Research and Policy Analysis
• Chapter 8 Policy Analysis in Practice
• 9 Epilogue
• Appendix I: Case for Analysis: Water Shortages in the Lower and Upper Basins of the Colorado River
• Appendix II Case for Analysis: Regulating Short-Term Rentals
• Index