The application of computer modeling and simulation to the analysis of public policy issues is receiving increased academic and professional attention. While initial efforts by and others have provided some insight into the overall feasibility of policy assist models, there still remains a vast amount of unexplored territory. One area of particular concern involves the interface between the model builder and the decisionmaker. Typically, most policy-oriented models have been constructed without considering their actual end use. Perhaps this accounts for the rather high mortality rate experienced among models and model builders.
A first step in possibly closing the gap between the two camps calls for a more effective evaluation of the product. The descriptor often used to characterize this phase of the modeling effort is appraisal. Of the five steps in the modeling process, this step is often left out or badly managedA Consequently, the need for developing and applying sound appraisal criteria cannot be understressed.
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, we will specify the composition of a rudimentary appraisal paradigm. This will take the form of a set of critical questions. Second, the paradigm will be applied to three regional models which will allow us to gain additional insight into these issues and to place this analysis into proper perspective.