ABSTRACT
In this chapter we discuss the role of objectives and criteria in policy analysis. Objectives indicate the moral, ideological, and political guiding principles for the analysis. Criteria are the evaluative tools to determine how well the proposed policy alternatives address the identified problem. They are tailored to the goals and circumstances of the particular policy issue. Criteria are applied to the alternatives’ projected outcomes, and assess the degree to which the projected outcomes achieve effectiveness, feasibility, cost, equity, and efficiency. Criteria usually reflect the interests of the client and other relevant stakeholders. We discuss strategies for ensuring a comprehensive and valid set of criteria that does not bias the analysis by inherently prioritizing particular alternatives over others.
