Evaluating Policy Studies by Using the Case Survey Methods
Expert InsightsPublished 1975
Expert InsightsPublished 1975
This paper was prepared for publication in Administrative Science Quarterly. It discusses the case survey method as an approach to the review of existing literature and research on policy studies. To illustrate the use of the method, the paper reports on data from a recently completed study of urban decentralization, which included experiences with police innovations, school decentralization, neighborhood health centers, community development corporations, and little city halls. Particular attention is given to the internal characteristics of the case studies surveyed, and to a comparison between case studies of varying research quality. The paper indicates the lessons that can be learned about policy studies by using the method, and thereby suggests the applicability of the method to other public policy topics.
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