Quick Analysis

In: Policy studies journal: an international journal of public policy, Volume 6, Issue 3, p. 325-333

Abstract

Researched analysis, using the full range of conceptual & analytical tools developed by various disciplines, can be contrasted with quick analysis, a different approach. Quick analysis was developed in a basic course in analytical methods to give students a grasp of the essentials of analytical thinking. It involves thinking about a problem, decomposing it into components, simplifying by discarding nonessential factors, specifying elements with data sources or judgment, & rethinking all these steps on the basis of sensitivity consideration. The methods of quick analysis in approaching such problems are those appropriate to busy decisionmakers, thus introducing decision analysis & a decision-oriented perspective. A dynamically iterative approach is used, aiming to teach essentials rather than techniques, & to build up student confidence for real decision situations. Failure to convey these essentials makes analysis more sophisticated but may also render it meaningless. W. H. Stoddard.