Suchergebnisse

It is contended that policy sciences in the US & Europe have entered an era in which "positivism" has been severely shaken, simplistic behavioralist approaches have been abandoned, & the importance of contextual, interdisciplinary, problem-oriented inquiry has been reaffirmed. Challenges posed by the new "economic imperialism" approach to social science issues are examined, & points of similarity & dissimilarity between neoclassical economics & policy sciences are explored in detail. It is hoped that the expansion of the economic approach will stimulate a fresh examination of the application of policy science to economic theory & arenas. 10 References. K. Hyatt

Partial contents: Early behavioralism: the good guys; Backsliding with postwar "neo-behavioralism"; Where are we now?

The nature & use of "complex" models for forecasting & policy simulation are analyzed on theoretical & empirical-performance grounds. While the accuracy of complex models in forecasting trends in such fields as economic & energy is undistinguished, their special virtues -- preserving counterintuitive results & representing subsystem interdependence -- could be used to better advantage than current practice permits. Suggestions for such improvements, through more diversified models, microprocess models in addition to the typical macro models, a mix of mechanically & judgmentally operated models, & the modeling of policy response, are reviewed. 26 References. Modified HA.