"Squishy" Problems and Quantitative Methods

In: Policy sciences: integrating knowledge and practice to advance human dignity ; the journal of the Society of Policy Scientists, Band 6, Heft 2, S. 175-184

Abstract

The increasing use of quantitative methods in policy analysis raises a number of problems connected with 'squishy' or ill-defined problems, which are frequently encountered in governmental policy formation. Such problems can be defined by the absence of an unequivocal basis for choosing a mathematical model. A 3-level conceptual model of such problems is formulated: the actual problem, the formal problem resulting from conceptualizing the actual problem, & the mathematical model of the formal problem. The formal problem may derive from the actual problem, & risk being unanalyzable; or it may derive from the analytical techniques available, & risk being irrelevant. 2 ways of using models are distinguished: (1) as surrogates for substantive problems, such as Newtonian mechanics, or (2) as perspectives on them, such as 2-dimensional perspective drawing. The 2nd approach may be preferable in dealing with 'squishy' problems, despite its risks. 7 Figures. Modified HA.