Iterate , c ,. ., .
Problem definition is a crucial step. But because it is hard to get it right, you
might take rhat same step again and again. Over rhe course of your analytic work,
your empirical and conceptual understanding will evolve. Also, as you begin to
rule out alternative approaches to solving or mitigating your problem, you will
probably want to sculpt the problem definition so that, in the end, you and the
political system will have some chance of attacking the problem successfully.
Finally, if you are working in an office or agency context, you will implicitly be
negotiating a mutually acceptable problem definition with your analyst colleagues
and your hierarchical superiors.2