Policy Analysis

Abstract

The practice of policy analysis requires an ability to understand the political context of decisions. This political sensitivity involves a readiness to address certain intellectual questions. In order to answer these questions about the political environment, a practitioner needs to have a particular cognitive style. Examination of empirical studies of planners shows understanding of the political environment among these practitioners to be associated with a distinctive cognitive map and related cognitive style. This cognitive style should be considered part of the requisite expertise for policy analysis. Practitioners without this cognitive style are likely to have little influence in decision making.