what is policy research

I have not updated myself in the literature of policy research, but I am aware of the things that relate to it, like for example a study of the policy process. I know that policy studies is in this juncture of transitioning from policy 'science' which treats policy as a positivist tool and object, to policy 'study' which accepts that the positivist approach to learning about the policy process is not effective, or even the best yardstick. I think it boils down to what one intends to do with it, really. Are you trying to optimise it? Standardise it? Define it? 

Or are you trying to understand it? 


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