The purpose of discussion thread 5 is to help you learn some of the methods that policy analysts typically use to research the likely impacts of policy alternatives. Policy alternatives are assessed carefully with the help of several criteria including Economic Efficiency (monetary costs and benefits), Equity (impact on disadvantaged populations, taxpayers), Substantive Values (individual freedom, economic security, transportation access, human dignity, preservation of life, safety and security), Effectiveness (air pollution reduced, number of injuries reduced), Political Feasibility, Implementation and technical feasibility (administrative