ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the role and purpose of research in policy analysis and assess the most important methods and data sources. The chapter first discusses the role and purpose of research in policy analysis, describing policy analysis as a form of applied research. It then presents the “research plan” as a helpful tool for linking the key questions to be addressed with the most appropriate research methods and data sources. The chapter then provides guidance on several forms of research integral to policy analysis. These include: literature reviews; interviews and focus groups; site visits and observation of public events; data sets; surveys; case studies and “best practices.”
