An operational framework for policy modeling in the social sciences

The apparent inability (or unwillingness) of social scientists to do policy relevant, applied research is discussed. One aspect of the problem is identified as a lack of an analytic framework designed specifically with policy research in mind. Such a framework is developed from a synthesis of the assumptions of: (1) what constitutes policy and the policy research process, and (2) what should be involved in social indicator research. The policy implications of sundry structural forms assumed by the general model are discussed.