Finally, a systems theorist would likely rivet on how governent action was influenced by inputs (demands, pressures, information) from its political social, and economic environment. Limited attention at best would be devoted to the details of how a bill becomes law. In time the systems theorist would be attentive to how the government's decisions on campaign-finance reform affected its operation and future demands on it.
To conclude, a person should avoid becoming too dogmatically or rigidly bound to one model or approach. As a rule, is desirable to be eclectic and flexible, using those theories and concepts that seem most useful for the satisfactory and fair-minded description and explanation of political inquiry. The goal should be the objective explanation of political behavior rather than the validation of a preferred theoretical approach. Each of the theories that have been discussed, if drawn upon skillfully and selectively, can contribute to a fuller understanding of policymaking.
Methodological Difficulties in Studying Public Policy
Methodological problems afflict all research, although social scientists appear both more self-conscious about their methodology and more intellectually inclined to batter themselves for methodological infirmities than do natural and physical scientists. Policy research, especially given the complexity of its subject matter, has its full share of methodological problems. Such problems may impede or limit policy research, and may make more than a little frustrating at times, but they neither prevent it nor negate the need for it. An awareness of some of these problems, however, may help prevent wasted efforts, needless errors, unsound conclusions, and insomnia.
Solid, conclusive evidence, facts, or data, as one prefers, on the motives, values, and behavior of policy-makers, the nature and scope of public problems, the impact of policies, and other facets of the policy process are often difficult to acquire or simply not available. The urge to convert assumptions or speculations about what happened into facts is something to be resisted, along with the uncritical acceptance of the often self-serving statements or incomplete explanations emanating from public officials and other participants in the policy process.