Policy Analysis

Question 1

What is policy analysis

Answer 1

Definition: collect and interpret information to clarify public problems and study consequences of policy actions

Question 2

Policy Analysis is the study of

Answer 2

Public problems

Proposed policy alternatives (most common use)

Question 3

Policy analysis’s purpose is

Answer 3

to inform and develop understanding in order to make better policy

Question 4

Who conducts policy analysis

Answer 4

Government
Universities
Think Tanks
Interest groups

Question 5

Who conducts policy analysis (government)

Answer 5

Give non-partisans fact based information to congress and federal agencies

Question 6

Who conducts policy analysis (think tanks)

Answer 6

“Policy research institutes” – growing sector
Small and specialized… large and diverse.
Broad range of ideologies and ideas
Their work helps policymakers
Understand complex problems
Learn ways to address problems
Understand views of interest groups

Question 7

Who conducts policy analysis (interest groups)

Answer 7

Holds a definite position / bias

Focus on information that supports their case

Question 8

Orientation of policy analysis

Answer 8

scientific, Professional and political

Question 9

Orientation of policy analysis (scientific)

Answer 9

(universities)
Most rigorous: performed by academics
Deepen the understanding of public problems
Build theories

Question 10

Orientation of policy analysis (political)

Answer 10

Objective and rigorous analysis
Purpose: to make decisions (not to advance theory)
Analyze policy options
Think of the Pew Research Center:

Question 11

Orientation of policy analysis (political)

Answer 11

Research that takes a position
Still can be high quality
Performed by interest groups to support their positions
Examples: National Rifle Association (NRA)