Test Chapter 9_Program Analysis

Question 1

The PRIMARY purpose of program analysis as it is used in government is to

Answer 1

help decision-makers to sharpen their judgments about program choices

Question 2

While there is no complete method for program analysis that is agreed to by all the experts and is relevant to all types of problems, the MOST important element in program analysis involves the

Answer 2

development of alternatives and the definition of objectives or criteria

Question 3

Electronic data processing is a particularly valuable tool of analysis in situations where the analyst has a processing problem solving

Answer 3

large input, many operations, and small output

Question 4

In order for an analyst to use electronic data processing to solve an analytic problem, the problem must be clearly defined.
The BEST way to prepare material for such definition in electronic data processing is to

Answer 4

prepare a flow diagram outlining the steps in the analysis

Question 5

There is a wide variety in the types of computer memory available and a wide range of information processing tasks. Significant trade-offs exist between size, speed, and cost. In a situation where large capacity and low unit cost are most important than access speed, the BEST memory system is the

Answer 5

magnetic disk

Question 6

Interactive or conversational programming is important to the program analyst ESPECIALLY for

Answer 6

testing trial solutions in rapid sequence

Question 7

Program analysis often calls for recommendation of a choice between competing program possibilities that differ in the timing of major costs.
Analysts using the present value technique by setting an interest or discount rate are in effect arguing that, other things being equal,

Answer 7

postponing expenditures is advantageous at some measurable rate

Question 8

Of the following, the formula which is MOST appropriately used to estimate the net need for a given type of service is that net need equals

Answer 8

(client population x standard) - current supply

Question 9

The purpose of feasibility analysis is to protect the analyst from naïve alternatives and, and MOST generally, to

Answer 9

anticipate potential blocks to implementation

Question 10

On the basis of the above data, it appears that the one alternative which is dominated by another alternative is Alternative

Answer 10

C

Question 11

If the feasibility constraint is absolute and fixed, then the critical trade-off is between

Answer 11

lower cost and higher effectiveness on one hand and faster timing on the other

Question 12

A classification of an agency’s activities in a program structure is MOST useful if it highlights

Answer 12

trade-offs that might not otherwise be considered

Question 13

CPM, like PERT, is a useful tool for scheduling large-scale, complex processes. In CPM, the critical path is the

Answer 13

longest path through the network

Question 14

Classical evaluative research calls for the use of control groups. However, there are practical difficulties in collecting data on individuals to be used as “controls” in program evaluations.
Researchers may attempt to overcome these difficulties by

Answer 14

using experimental demonstration projects with participants in the different projects serving as comparison groups for one another

Question 15

During the course of an analysis of the remaining “life” of a certain city’s landfill for refuse disposal, there was a great deal of debate about the impact of changing rates of garbage generation on the amount of landfill needed and bout what rates of garbage generation to expect over the next decade. Faced with the need to attempt to resolve this debate, an analyst would construct a simple model of the refuse disposal system and

Answer 15

do a sensitivity analysis to test the impact of alternative assumptions about refuse generation

Question 16

The limitations of traditional surveys have fostered the development and use of panels. A panel is

Answer 16

A group of respondents that serves as a continuous source of survey information

Question 17

The difference between sensitivity analysis and risk analysis is that risk analysis

Answer 17

includes an estimate of probabilities of different values of input factors

Question 18

A decision tree, although initially applied to business problems, is a graphic device which is useful to public analysts in

Answer 18

formulating the structure of alternatives

Question 19

The purpose of a management information system in an agency is to

Answer 19

structure data relevant to managerial decision-making

Question 20

The analyst could REASONABLY conclude regarding productivity that

Answer 20

it is Impossible to make a judgment about the productivity of the firefighting staff without a judgment about the value of a response to false alarm

Question 21

In the design of a productivity program for the sanitation department, the BEST measure of productivity would be

Answer 21

Tons of refuse collected per truck shift

Question 22

The cohort-survival method for estimating future population has been widely employed. In this method,

Answer 22

Net migration within cohorts is assumed to be zero

Question 23

Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis represent a systematic approach to balancing potential losses against potential gains as a prelude to public action. In addition to limitations based on difficulties of measurement and inadequacies in data that are typical of systematic program analysis, cost-benefit analysis suffers from a serious conceptual flaw in that

Answer 23

The definition of benefit or cost does not typically distinguish to whom benefits or costs accrue

Question 24

If you were asked to develop a total cost estimate for one year for a program involving both a capital improvement and operating costs, the BEST way to estimate the capital cost component would be to

Answer 24

Divide the amortized cost of the capital improvement by the projected life of the improvement

Question 25

In comparing the costs of two or more alternative programs, it is important to consider all relevant costs.
The MOST important principle in defining “relevant cost” is that

Answer 25

Only marginal or incremental cost should be considered in the estimate

Question 26

Different techniques for projecting future costs may be suitable in different situations. Assume that it is necessary to estimate the future costs of maintaining garbage collection vehicles.
Under which of the following conditions would it be advisable to develop
A cost-estimating equation rather than to use unadjusted current data?

Answer 26

When it is expected that more complex equipment will replace simpler equipment

Question 27

A comparison between two correlated means obtained from a small sample

Answer 27

T-test

Question 28

A comparison of three or more means.

Answer 28

Analysis of variance

Question 29

A comparison of the divergence of observed frequencies with those expected on the hypothesis of equal probability of occurrence.

Answer 29

X2 test (Chi-squared)

Question 30

A comparison of the divergence of observed frequencies with those expected on the hypothesis of a normal distribution.

Answer 30

X2 test (Chi-squared)

Question 31

A comparison between two uncorrelated means obtained from small samples

Answer 31

T-test

Question 32

There are many different models for evaluative research.

A time-series design is an example of a _______ experimental design.

Answer 32

Quasi

Question 33

In policy research, as in all kinds of research, it is important to develop research hypotheses early.
The MAIN purpose of a research hypothesis is to

Answer 33

Serve as a guide to the kind of data that must be collected in order to answer the research question.

Question 34

While descriptive and casual research are not completely separable, there has been a distinct effort to move in the direction of casual research.
Such an effort is epitomized by the use of

Answer 34

Predictive models and measures of deviation from predictions

Question 35

The one of the following which BEST describes a periodic report is that it

Answer 35

Provides a record of accomplishments for a given time span and a comparison with similar re spans in the past

Question 36

The PRIMARY purpose of including pictorial illustrations in a formal report is usually to

Answer 36

Present details that are difficult to describe verbally