In the Synoptic (Rational) planning philosophy, which assumption is made about decision makers?

• A. They cannot analyze problems
• B. They are authoritative
• C. Everything can be modeled perfectly
• D. Government action has no direct correlation to social problems

Answer: (B)

Synoptic planning treats policy problems as something that can be approached through centralized, systematic analysis by those who have the authority to act. The idea is that a planning body with legitimate power coordinates information, defines objectives, weighs alternatives, and then implements the chosen course across government. That makes the assumption that decision makers are authoritative the best fit: it reflects the top-down, legitimate ability to decide and enforce policy actions.

Why the other ideas don’t fit as well: if decision makers couldn’t analyze problems, rational planning would have no basis to operate; insisting that everything can be modeled perfectly overstates what the approach actually assumes, since models are simplifications rather than flawless representations; and treating government action as having no direct link to social problems contradicts the whole aim of the rational planning process, which centers on using policy actions to address those problems.