Question 1

The approach to policy analysis appropriate and useful for most social workers is:
A)Academic social science research
B)Practitioner policy analysis
C)Agency planning/policy management
D)Citizen policy analysis

Accepted Answer

Practitioner policy analysis is the approach to policy analysis that is most appropriate and useful for social workers. This approach is grounded in the practitioner's direct experience with the client population and the policy implementation process, promoting the use of empirical evidence to inform policy decisions. It is a practical approach that aims to identify, assess, and evaluate policy options in light of their impacts on clients, and to apply professional values and ethical principles to the analysis. This approach is particularly relevant for social workers who work within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or advocacy groups, and who have a significant role in shaping and implementing policies affecting vulnerable populations.

Question 2

The two major categories of types of benefits are:
A)Residual or institutional
B)Functional or conflict
C)Cash or kind
D)Universal or selective

Accepted Answer

The two major categories of types of benefits are cash benefits or benefits in kind. Cash benefits include things such as wages, bonuses, and retirement benefits, while benefits in kind include things such as healthcare, vacation time, and company cars.

Question 3

Universal allocation of social welfare benefits is characterized by:
A)categorical eligibility.
B)the creation of a right to the benefit.
C)group membership.
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

Universal allocation of social welfare benefits creates a right to the benefit for all individuals regardless of their categorical eligibility or group membership.

Question 4

Which statement is most true of "contracting out" services by public agencies?
A)Contracting out is a fairly recent means of funding social welfare services.
B)Contracting out rarely if ever involves participation by private,for profit organizations.
C)Contracting out almost always improves the delivery of social welfare services.
D)None of the above

Accepted Answer

None of the statements are true. Contracting out services by public agencies has been around for some time, it can involve private, for-profit organizations or non-profit organizations, and the effectiveness of contracting out on service delivery is debated and dependent on various factors.

Question 5

Methods of policy analysis include all of the following except:
A)Brand analysis
B)Descriptive analysis
C)Process analysis
D)Evaluation

Accepted Answer

The methods of policy analysis typically include descriptive analysis, process analysis, and evaluation. Brand analysis is not traditionally considered a method of policy analysis.

Question 6

Which type of benefit is the most ethical as measured by the degree of self-determination it promotes with the client?
A)Cash benefits
B)In-kind benefits
C)Vouchers
D)All types of benefits equally promote self-determination

Accepted Answer

Cash benefits are considered the most ethical in terms of promoting self-determination because they allow recipients the greatest freedom to decide how best to meet their own needs.

Question 7

From most sophisticated to least sophisticated,which represents the correct ordering of the four major dimensions of policy analysis?
A)Journalistic/practitioner,social planning/agency planning,academic/applied,and citizen analyst.
B)Citizen analyst,journalistic/practitioner,social planning/agency planning,and academic/applied.
C)Academic/applied,social planning/agency planning,journalistic/practitioner,and citizen analyst.
D)Academic/applied,journalistic/practitioner,social planning/agency planning,and citizen analyst.

Accepted Answer

The correct order from most to least sophisticated in terms of policy analysis dimensions is academic/applied (which involves rigorous research and application of theories), followed by social planning/agency planning (which involves structured planning within organizations), then journalistic/practitioner (which involves practical, often less formal analysis), and finally citizen analyst (which involves layperson analysis without formal training in policy analysis). This hierarchy reflects the depth of expertise and methodological rigor typically associated with each dimension.

Question 8

The two parts to a quantitative evaluation are:
A)effectiveness (outcome)and efficiency (cost-effectiveness)evaluations.
B)quality and quantity evaluations.
C)statistical and narrative evaluations.
D)program and project evaluations.

Accepted Answer

The two parts to a quantitative evaluation are effectiveness (outcome) and efficiency (cost-effectiveness) evaluations. These are the most commonly used and recognized components of a quantitative evaluation. Option B only considers the quality and quantity evaluations which are not entirely quantitative. Option C is not specific to quantitative evaluation, as statistical evaluation can apply to both quantitative and qualitative evaluations, while narrative evaluation is only qualitative. Option D is also not specific to quantitative evaluation as both program and project evaluations can be evaluated qualitatively as well.

Question 9

Selective allocation of social welfare benefits is:
A)efficient.
B)need-based.
C)without right to the benefit.
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Selective allocation of social welfare benefits is efficient because it is focused on providing benefits to those who need them the most (need-based) and without any inherent right to the benefit. This helps to ensure that resources are directed towards those who are most in need and will benefit the most from the assistance. Therefore, all of the above options (A, B, and C) are the best choices.

Question 10

Like most terms in the study of social welfare policy,the term policy analysis:
A)Tends to be used in vague and inconsistent ways
B)Seems vague to the lay person,but has a very precise meaning to the policy analyst
C)Is understood only by insiders
D)Is no longer considered to be politically correct

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis, like many terms in social welfare policy, is often used in vague and inconsistent ways, leading to varied interpretations and understandings among different groups and individuals.

Question 11

"Commercialization" refers to :
A)increased competition between social welfare providers for grant funding.
B)a need for improved marketing of social welfare services in order to reach clients in need.
C)charging clients fees for the social welfare services they receive.
D)the adoption of business practices in private,nonprofit agencies.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Commercialization" refers to :
A)increased competition between social...

Question 12

are the four types of descriptive policy analysis?
A)Content,choice,comparative,and historical.
B)Survey,qualitative,quantitative,and mixed methods.
C)Neither of the above.
D)Both of the above

Accepted Answer

The four types of descriptive policy analysis are Content (examining the substance of policy), Choice (identifying the alternatives considered and why a particular choice was made), Comparative (evaluating similar policies in other jurisdictions or contexts), and Historical (analyzing past policies and their outcomes). Option B includes different research methods and is not specific to policy analysis. Option C is incorrect as there are defined types of descriptive policy analysis.

Question 13

In a logical evaluation,a policy's internal rigor and consistency is assessed by looking at the:
A)internal consistency of the policy's multiple goals.
B)consistency between a policy's goal and the means of achieving the goal.
C)difference between intended and unintended consequences.
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

To assess a policy's internal rigor and consistency, all three factors mentioned in the options (internal consistency of goals, consistency between goal and means, and intended vs. unintended consequences) need to be analyzed. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 14

As a science,policy analysis is limited due to:
A)the limited analytical capacities of human beings.
B)conflicts between intergroup values and ethics.
C)resource limitations for conducting research.
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the given options are valid limitations of policy analysis. Human beings have limited analytical capacities and may not be able to completely understand and analyze complex policy issues. Conflicts between intergroup values and ethics can also hinder the effectiveness and implementation of policies. Finally, resource limitations can restrict conducting comprehensive research and analysis of policies.

Question 15

George W.Bush's faith based initiative:
A)was approved by Congress and became federal law in 1996.
B)was based on the claim that faith can accomplish what secular programs cannot accomplish.
C)upheld long-standing federal opposition to proselytizing and nondiscriminatory hiring practices.
D)was aimed at funneling federal dollars to large religious organizations.

Accepted Answer

The faith based initiative was based on the claim that faith can accomplish what secular programs cannot accomplish. While Bush did promote this program during his presidency, it was not approved by Congress and did not become federal law until after he left office. The initiative did include provisions for upholding anti-discrimination laws and regulations against proselytizing. While some funding did go to large religious organizations, it was also available to smaller grassroots and community organizations.

Question 16

The two major choices of the basis of allocation of benefits are:
A)Residual or institutional
B)Functional or conflict
C)Cash or kind
D)Universal or selective

Accepted Answer

The choice of basis for allocation of benefits depends on the context and purpose of the program. In some cases, a universal basis might be more appropriate, where benefits are given to everyone irrespective of their income, background, or other characteristics. Examples of universal benefits include public education, public transportation, or universal healthcare.

In other cases, a selective basis might be more appropriate, where benefits are targeted at specific groups or individuals based on their needs or circumstances. Examples of selective benefits include welfare programs, disability benefits, or food stamps.

Therefore, the best choice(s) depend on the specific program and its objectives. However, in general, a mix of both universal and selective basis might be the most effective and fair way to allocate benefits, depending on the nature and scope of the program.

Question 17

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a centralized delivery system for social welfare benefits?
A)Bureaucratic.
B)Competitive.
C)Cooperative.
D)Convenient.

Accepted Answer

A centralized delivery system for social welfare benefits is characterized by a bureaucratic structure, cooperation among agencies and departments, and convenient access for clients. Competition is not a characteristic of a centralized system, as it implies a market-driven approach which is not typically associated with the delivery of social welfare benefits.

Question 18

In theory,which statement is most true of organizational accountability for social welfare services?
A)Public agencies are accountable to the general public.
B)Private,nonprofit agencies are accountable to their board of directors.
C)Private,for profit agencies are accountable to the clients they serve.
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the statements are true to some extent. Public agencies are accountable to the general public who funds them through taxes. Private nonprofit agencies are accountable to their board of directors who are responsible for overseeing their operations and ensuring they are fulfilling their mission. Private for-profit agencies are accountable to the clients they serve, as they depend on the satisfaction of their clients to continue operating and making a profit. Therefore, all three types of organizations have different forms of accountability.

Question 19

Identify the best description of practitioner policy analysis.
A)Masters or doctoral level research
B)Published in-house
C)Lowest level of sophistication
D)Policy research is tangential to their primary professional role.

Accepted Answer

Practitioner policy analysis often involves individuals for whom policy research is not their primary focus but is related to their professional role, making it a secondary or tangential activity.

Question 20

Identify the best description of academic social science research and applied policy research.
A)Doctoral level
B)Published in accessible sources
C)Rigorously researched
D)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Academic social science research and applied policy research both require a high level of rigor and are typically undertaken at the doctoral level. Additionally, both types of research are intended for publication in accessible sources, whether academic journals or policy briefs. Therefore, all three options - doctoral level, published in accessible sources, and rigorously researched - are applicable to both academic social science research and applied policy research.

Quiz 3: Social Welfare Policy Analysis

The approach to policy analysis appropriate and useful for most social workers is:

The two major categories of types of benefits are:

Universal allocation of social welfare benefits is characterized by:

Which statement is most true of "contracting out" services by public agencies?

Methods of policy analysis include all of the following except:

Which type of benefit is the most ethical as measured by the degree of self-determination it promotes with the client?

From most sophisticated to least sophisticated,which represents the correct ordering of the four major dimensions of policy analysis?

The two parts to a quantitative evaluation are:

Selective allocation of social welfare benefits is:

Like most terms in the study of social welfare policy,the term policy analysis:

"Commercialization" refers to :

are the four types of descriptive policy analysis?

In a logical evaluation,a policy's internal rigor and consistency is assessed by looking at the:

As a science,policy analysis is limited due to:

George W.Bush's faith based initiative:

The two major choices of the basis of allocation of benefits are:

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a centralized delivery system for social welfare benefits?

In theory,which statement is most true of organizational accountability for social welfare services?

Identify the best description of practitioner policy analysis.

Identify the best description of academic social science research and applied policy research.