2nd Edition
Applied Policy Research Concepts and Cases
Where many textbooks on policy research focus on methodological and statistical theories, leaving students to wonder how they will apply those theories to future policy positions, this innovative textbook 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. Beginning with an orientation and overview of policy research, outlining the processes of policy analysis and evaluation from start to finish, Applied Policy Research, 2e walks students through an examination of case studies to demonstrate how these theories play out in real policy situations. New to this edition:
- A rewritten Part I that includes several new chapters incorporating the latest developments in applicable policy research design, implementation, and products to provide a framework for conducting policy research.
- A matrix at the start of Part II to easily identify how each of the fifteen case-study chapters correspond with concepts and topics presented in Part I, showing the reader where to look for a specific real-life example of a given topic or concept. Each case is drawn from real instances of policy research to provide students with an opportunity to consider and learn how to grapple with the challenges posed by the needs of public programs and agencies. Cases include local, state, and nonprofit agencies as well as federal-state-local intergovernmental "hybrids."
- Each chapter is presented in a uniform format: (1) a detailed description of a policy research problem; (2) a discussion of the unique challenges posed by the problem; (3) a description of the policy research techniques used; (4) a summary of the outcomes or conclusions associated with the research as it was conducted; and (5) conclusions about the implications or lessons for policy research.
Illustrative figures help students understand the stages of policy research, and end-of-chapter tools such as discussion questions, assignments and activities, and case studies "at a glance" help students master not only the particulars of each case but the broader skills needed in future research. Applied Policy Research, Second Edition will be essential reading in all policy research courses with a focus on practical outcomes and student preparation for public service.
Part I Principles of Policy Research
J. Fred Springer, Peter J. Haas, and Allan Porowski
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)
Allan Porowski and Heath Clawson
7. The Dropout Prevention Mentor Project: Delivering Unexpected Messages Through Policy Research
Elizabeth Sale and J. Fred Springer
8. The Use of Applied Policy Research to Inform and Reform Statewide Dropout Policies
Jill Norton
9. Political Statement or Effective Policy? Comparing Implementation of State Bullying Laws
Victoria Stuart-Cassel and J. Fred Springer
10. Intervention Effectiveness in Real-World Settings: The National Cross-Site Evaluation of High Risk Youth Programs
J. Fred Springer and Allan Porowski
11. What to Do about Scrap Tires? Options for Productive Waste Management
Robert W. Wassmer
12. Keys to Success for Transit Tax Initiatives: Repeated Research for Policy Learning
Peter Haas with Richard Werbel and Katharine Estrada
13. High-Speed Rail Workforce Development: An Estimation Problem
Peter Haas with Paul D. Hernandez and Katharine Estrada
14. Climate Change Adaptation: An Assessment of Accomplishments at the Community Level
Jason Vogel, Charles Herrick, and Heather Hosterman
15. Housing Sales in Urban Neighborhoods: Using Policy Research to Inform Planning
Elizabeth Sale and J. Fred Springer
16. Evaluation of the California Ignition Interlock Pilot Program: A Policy Experiment
J. Fred Springer and Joël L. Phillips
17. Information for Community Policing: Cops on the Beat in the 21st Century
Jessica Herbert and J. Fred Springer
18. When the Process Is the Question: Resource Family Recruitment in Los Angeles, CA
Robert D. Blagg, Todd Franke, and Christine Christie
19. Debt Burdens of California State and Local Governments: Are They Too Large?
Robert W. Wassmer
20. Deinstitutionalization and Community Services in Virginia: A Policy Assessment
Peter J. Haas
21. Case Study Lessons
J. Fred Springer, Peter Haas, and Allan Porowski
Biography
Fred Springer is Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Peter J. Haas serves as Professor at the School of Global Innovation and Leadership, part of the Lucas School and College of Business at San Jose State University, where he also serves as Education Director at the Mineta Transportation Institute, California, USA.
Allan Porowski is a Principal Associate in the Social and Economic Policy Division at Abt Associates, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
