Bibliography : p. 105-109.

Includes index.

The nature of policy research. Policy research defined ; Context of policy research ; Types of policy research ; Characteristics of policy research studies ; The policy research process ; Exercises -- Preparing for a policy research study. Focus of information inquiry ; Steps to information inquiry ; Decision to conduct the study ; Exercises -- Conceptualizing the policy research study. Develop a preliminary model of the social problem ; Formulate specific research questions ; Select research investigators ; Exercises -- Technical analysis. Operationalization of variables ; Design of study methodology ; Results and conclusions ; Developing tentative policy recommendations ; Exercises -- Analysis of study recommendations. Analysis of implementation parameters ; Predict potential consequences of recommendations ; Estimating the probability of implementation ; Preparation of final recommendations ; Exercises -- Communicating policy research to policymakers. Guideline 1: communicate throughout the study ; Guideline 2: communicate to different users ; Guideline 3: effective presentation creates the basis for good communication ; Guideline 4: oral communication is usually more effective than written ; Closing ; Exercises.