Piecemeal Social Engineering (Isny Joseph).pdf

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Replacement: A theory must be replaced by a better theory. Analysts must accept and
act on the best available theory, the one that passed the most rigorous falsification
attempts. After all, social science are developed through attempts to find out whether or
nor a particular economic or political action is likely to produce an expected result.
Popper argued that the essence of human activity is problem solving. The problem
solving formula is p1 ts ee p2…. where:
P1 represents an initial problem, ts is the trial solution to that problem, ee is the error
elimination (by empirical tests), and p2 is the sets of problems remaining after error
elimination.
We can apply this test to a real public policy problem. The gas price is a major concern
for some in major parts of the countries (p1). We can come with a trial solution (ts) to
help alleviate the burden by providing free transportation at a specific time and place.
(ee) error elimination is the field test of that approach, and p2 is the residue of the initial
problem and any side effects ( people may feel they do not want to abide by the time,
they may feel the pick up and drop off locations are not feasible to them. Or the effects
of the policy can adversely affect the economy.
Slide 9- Policy field exponents.
For piecemealists, social experimentation is the proper basis for rational public policy
for the simple reason that information to improve social services or programs
effectiveness is impossible to obtain. Thus, piecemeal social engineering has been used as
a means for social experimentation in policy areas such as social welfare, education,
health, law enforcement, labor and human resources, among others. When social
experimentation is done, if possible, use a treatment group and a demographically