ECONOMICS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT: CETERIS PARIBUS OR MUTATIS MUTANDIS

Economic theory frequently uses ceteris paribus assumptions to hold complicating variables constant to analyze the effect of one variable on another. Policy-makers must consider effects of policies with other things changing as they will (i.e., mutatis mutandis). Impact assessment can recon- cile the often narrow approach of economic analysis and the need for broad consideration of implications. The methods of impact assessment can pro- vide a proper place for economic analysis in policy assessment and help to assure that a broad range of impacts are included to determine the economic effects of events and decisions. Copyright 1988 by The Policy Studies Organization.