| Article ID: | iaor1992581 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Volume: | 18 |
| Start Page Number: | 603 |
| End Page Number: | 606 |
| Publication Date: | Sep 1991 |
| Journal: | Computers and Operations Research |
| Authors: | Samuelson Douglas A. |
| Keywords: | practice |
Three examples from U.S. Federal policy analysis illustrate the absurdities which can arise when analysts attempt to substitute mathematical sophistication for clear thinking about the problem. In each case, the results depended critically on persistent checking and cross-checking of facts and assumptions and on clear presentation of findings.