Units and Levels of Analysis: A Problem of Policy Analysis in Federal Systems

In: Publius: the journal of federalism, Band 4, Heft 4, S. 59-86

Abstract

How faulty conceptualization of units & levels of analysis for the study of the US federal system has vitiated much policy research is demonstrated. Special emphasis is given to administrative reorganization research, the case study approach & policy output analysis. An alternative conceptualization of units & levels of analysis is then developed. It is based in the public service industry approach of public choice theory. The alternative units & levels for analysis emphasize the complex interorganizational systems that regulate decision-making in multicentered institutional arrangements. Hypotheses for research are proposed. Examples of current research in this tradition are summarized. Implications of the alternative units & levels are summarized for the prescriptive component of policy studies. AA.