The Context for Methods: The Constraints of the Policy Process on the Use of Quantitative Methods

Quantitative methods for policy analysis were developed mainly by academic researchers during a period when there was widespread allegiance to ‘rational’ methods of policymaking. The interesting question arises now, however, as to what role these researchers have been playing as rational methodologies and quantitative methods have fallen from favour; as the context has changed, how have the researchers—in this case regional scientists—responded? In this paper it is argued that many regional scientists who purport to be interested in policy analysis, and particularly in developing quantitative methods for use in such analysis, actually have very little direct interest. This lack of interest is demonstrated by their failure to give serious consideration to the policy context into which methods are to fit, a context which has changed dramatically since many established methods were developed. The paper is an attempt to demonstrate the importance of context to the form and use of methods. Three sets of contextual changes are reviewed: philosophical, practical, and political. The conclusion contains a discussion of how methods can be tailored to contexts, and a plea for regional scientists to take a more genuine interest in policymaking.