General Methodology

• Policy analysis draws from a variety of diverse fields, ranging from anthropology to economics to philosophy. Generally, policy analysts attempt to gather data by means of case studies, surveys, statistical analysis and modeling. They then define the problem they are trying address, evaluate it, come up with a host of different policy alternatives, evaluate those, and finally implement a policy. The implemented policy is then monitored and evaluated for its efficiency and amended accordingly.
  
  

Descriptive Process

• Scholars and academics tend to take a descriptive and analytical approach to public policy. They attempt, usually retroactively, to determine, describe and evaluate the policy-making process, usually with an eye toward developing a deeper understanding of the process itself. They are therefore considered to be more theoretical in their concerns.
  
  

Prescriptive Process

• Advisers and policy makers, such as legislators, are oftentimes referred to as prescriptive policy analysts. They attempt to formulate policies that either maximize efficiency or, ideally, serve the social good. They are more concerned with proposing and implementing policy, as opposed to describing it.
  
  

Micro Policy Analysis

• Generally, when laypeople think of policy, they think of government policies. However, policy analysts also work on smaller scales, such as for business firms or small public institutions. For example, a policy analyst may help a small law firm develop a set of policies to maximize their billable hours while minimizing their costs. Or, he or she may help advise a public school on curriculum implementation in order to improve test scores.
  
  

Government--Public and Foreign Policy

• Perhaps the most well-known kind of policy is public and foreign policy, as developed and implemented by national governments. These policies are ideally designed to maximize the public good, or to serve the interests of the nation. Politicians often consult policy analysts as they draft legislation in order to identify and define social problems, get assistance in drafting policy, and receive feedback about the efficiency and overall effect the policy will have.