Applied Policy Research: Concepts and CasesThis new, multidisciplinary series will present works devoted to the indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Nations, Native Hawaiians, Native Americans, and the Indians of Mexico. Topics will range from the social sciences to education, law, criminology, health, the environment, religion, architecture, linguistics, and agriculture, including innovative interdisciplinary approaches. Books featuring Native voices and issues of particular current significance to Native peoples will be featured. This book gives students of policy analysis, program evaluation, research methods, and public administration insights and know-how in conducting research. The book demystifies policy research in several ways. The authors recognize that traditional analysis or program evaluation are rarely applicable in their pure forms to policy concerns. Therefore, the first four chapters set out a practical approach that avoids forcing idealistic and obscure research concepts onto complex public programs and policies. These chapters also emphasize the importance of the decision context in which research is used. The book also offers a set of case studies drawn from real instances of policy research that provide students with the opportunity to grapple with the challenges posed by the unique information needs of public programs and agencies. Each case study includes the following: |
