Question 1

Being committed to specific policy values and goals as well as ideological and partisan agendas is known as the ______ approach to policy analysis.
A) professional
B) political
C) scientific
D) elite

Accepted Answer

The political approach to policy analysis prioritizes the pursuit and implementation of particular political ideologies and partisan goals. This often involves parties and interest groups creating and promoting policies that align with their values and interests.

Question 2

A systematic investigation of alternative policy options and the assembly and integration of the evidence for and against each option is referred to as ______.
A) policy formulation
B) policy legitimation
C) policy analysis
D) policy capacity

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis involves a thorough and systematic examination of alternative policy options, along with an assessment of the evidence supporting or contradicting each option. It is a key step in the policy-making process, as it helps decision-makers to understand the potential impacts and trade-offs associated with different policy choices.

Question 3

______ refers to collecting and interpreting information that clarifies the causes and effects of public problems.
A) Policymaking process
B) Incremental decision making
C) Root cause analysis
D) Policy analysis

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis refers to the process of collecting and interpreting information to clarify the causes and effects of public problems. This involves examining the different options available to address the problem and assessing the potential impact of each option to inform policymaking decisions. Option A (policymaking process) refers to the overall process of developing and implementing public policies. Option B (incremental decision making) refers to making decisions gradually and incrementally rather than in one large step. Option C (root cause analysis) is a specific type of analysis that focuses on identifying the underlying cause of a problem rather than just addressing its symptoms.

Question 4

Researchers and academics conduct research to seek "truth." This approach to policy analysis is ______.
A) professional
B) political
C) scientific
D) none of these

Accepted Answer

Conducting research to seek "truth" is a key characteristic of scientific inquiry, as opposed to professional or political approaches to policy analysis.

Question 5

A growing sector of private organizations that conduct policy research often used by government policy makers is called ______.
A) political action committees
B) state policy institutes
C) political parties
D) think tanks

Accepted Answer

Think tanks are private organizations that conduct policy research and analysis, often used by government policy makers for guidance and recommendations. Political action committees (A) are organizations that raise and spend money to influence political campaigns and elections. State policy institutes (B) may be similar to think tanks but are focused on policy issues within a specific state. Political parties (C) are organizations that seek to gain control of government through elections and promote their own political ideology.

Question 6

______ refer(s) to the important factors that policy analysts will use to assess the proposed policy alternatives.
A) Alternative assessment
B) Evaluative criteria
C) Ex post facto criteria
D) Redistributive factors

Accepted Answer

Evaluative criteria are the important factors that policy analysts will use to assess the proposed policy alternatives. Ex post facto criteria refers to evaluating policies after they have been implemented, while redistributive factors are related to the distribution of resources and benefits within a society. Alternative assessment is a general term that does not specifically refer to the factors used in policy analysis.

Question 7

Policy analysis draws from the ideas and methods of which of the following disciplines?
A) economics
B) sociology
C) political science
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis draws from the ideas and methods of economics, sociology, and political science, among other disciplines. All of these disciplines contribute unique perspectives to understanding policies and their potential impacts. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 8

Which best describes the approaches being taken by states to address the problem of cell phone use by drivers?
A) Most states have banned text messaging by drivers, but states have done a variety of things with regard to cell phone use while driving.
B) Most states have not dealt with the issue of texting and cell phone use.
C) All 50 states have banned cell phone use by novice drivers.
D) Only a handful of states have attempted to create policies to address this problem.

Accepted Answer

Most states have banned text messaging while driving, but have taken different approaches to cell phone use while driving. Some states have banned handheld cell phone use, while others have implemented hands-free requirements or only prohibited cell phone use for certain groups of drivers, such as novice drivers. Only a few states have not addressed the issue at all.

Question 9

______ involves defining the problem, indicating goals and objectives to be sought, considering a range of alternatives, and evaluating each alternative before recommending a particular solution.
A) Rational decision making
B) Incremental decision making
C) Policy evaluation
D) Political analysis

Accepted Answer

The process described in the question is the rational decision making model, which involves a systematic and logical approach to decision making. It includes identifying the problem or issue, setting goals and objectives, generating and evaluating alternatives, selecting the best solution, implementing the decision, and monitoring and evaluating the outcomes. The other options listed do not fully encompass all of these steps in the decision making process.

Question 10

Think tanks study problems and alternatives in order to help policy makers make decisions. The type of policy analysis typically conducted by think tanks is called ______.
A) scientific
B) professional
C) political
D) economic

Accepted Answer

Think tanks conduct professional policy analysis, utilizing expertise from various fields to evaluate problems and propose solutions for policy makers.

Question 11

Making modest changes in policy is known as what?
A) incremental decision making
B) rational-comprehensive policymaking
C) constructing policy alternatives
D) root cause policymaking

Accepted Answer

Making modest changes in policy is commonly referred to as incremental decision making. It involves making small adjustments to existing policies rather than creating entirely new ones.

Question 12

______ are defined as the immediate causes of a given social problem.
A) Limited causes
B) Acknowledged causes
C) Proximate causes
D) Root causes

Accepted Answer

Proximate causes are the immediate or direct causes of a given social problem. They are the factors that are most visible and easily observable, but they do not necessarily explain why the problem exists in the first place or provide a long-term solution. Root causes, on the other hand, are deeper and underlying factors that contribute to the social problem.

Question 13

Policy alternatives relating to the use of cell phones while driving are discussed in the first part of Chapter 4. Several agencies of the federal government have recommended which of the following policy actions?
A) a national ban on texting while driving
B) pressing state governments to develop and implement policies
C) organizing local governments to improve enforcement of local bans on texting while driving
D) Nothing has been proposed; that's why it continues to be a problem.

Accepted Answer

Federal agencies have recommended a national ban on texting while driving to address safety concerns and reduce accidents caused by distracted driving.

Question 14

Analyzing problems, studying possible policy alternatives, and evaluating the efficiency or effectiveness of policies are examples of what?
A) incremental decision making
B) policy analysis
C) assessing alternatives
D) rational decision making

Accepted Answer

Analyzing problems, studying possible policy alternatives, and evaluating the efficiency or effectiveness of policies are key steps in the process of policy analysis, which involves using research and data to inform decision-making about public policies. This process is distinct from incremental decision making, which involves making small adjustments to existing policies, and rational decision making, which involves using a systematic, goal-oriented approach to decision-making. Assessing alternatives is a part of policy analysis. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 15

______ is considered to be the more realistic approach.
A) Rational decision making
B) Comprehensive decision making
C) Feasible decision making
D) Incremental decision making

Accepted Answer

Incremental decision making is considered to be a more realistic approach as it involves making small, gradual changes rather than attempting to make large-scale changes all at once. It allows for adjustment and adaptation based on the results of each step, minimizing risks and uncertainty. This approach is often used in complex systems where full understanding or predicting outcomes can be difficult.

Question 16

Policy analysis that puts a priority on citizen involvement and alignment with public opinion emphasizes ______.
A) democratic political processes
B) rational comprehensive decision making
C) scientific analysis
D) pragmatic adjustments

Accepted Answer

A policy analysis that prioritizes citizen involvement and alignment with public opinion emphasizes the importance of democratic political processes, where decision-making is participatory and representative of diverse perspectives and interests. This approach values the voices and concerns of citizens and sees policy decisions as a collective effort rather than a top-down implementation of expert analysis or partial interests.

Question 17

One of the basic questions that all analysis must answer is whether they should focus on the ______ of public problems or examine policy actions that might ameliorate a pressing problem, but do nothing about its underlying causes.
A) root causes
B) proximate causes
C) incremental causes
D) factorial causes

Accepted Answer

Focusing on the root causes of public problems allows for more effective and sustainable solutions to be implemented, rather than just addressing symptoms or proximate causes. Therefore, it is best to prioritize analyzing and addressing the underlying factors causing the problem.

Question 18

Policy analysts who propose policies that align with mainstream public values are taking an approach to policy formulation known as ______.
A) contentious analysis
B) adhering to consensual norms
C) proximate cause analysis
D) adhering to professional practice standards

Accepted Answer

Adhering to consensual norms means proposing policies that align with mainstream public values, which increases the likelihood of policy adoption and implementation. The other options are not related to this approach to policy formulation.

Question 19

The ______ approach to policy analysis defines a problem, indicates the goals and objectives to be sought, considers a range of alternative solutions, evaluates each of the alternatives to clarify their consequences, and then recommends or chooses the alternative with the greatest potential for solving the problem.
A) political
B) generative
C) elite
D) rational-comprehensive

Accepted Answer

The rational-comprehensive approach is the systematic and structured approach to policy analysis that involves defining the problem, setting goals and objectives, considering a range of alternative solutions, evaluating each alternative to clarify the consequences, and then recommending the alternative with the greatest potential for solving the problem. This approach is also known as the "classical" approach to policy analysis.

Question 20

Which of the following conduct different kinds of policy analysis that is often very helpful to the policymaking process?
A) government agencies
B) interest groups
C) think tanks
D) all of these

Accepted Answer

All of these - government agencies, interest groups, and think tanks - conduct different kinds of policy analysis that can be helpful to the policymaking process. Government agencies are responsible for implementing policies and therefore have a vested interest in analyzing them to ensure they are effective. Interest groups often have specific policy goals and conduct analysis to support their lobbying efforts. Think tanks, which are independent research organizations, specialize in policy research and analysis and often provide policymakers with objective and evidence-based recommendations.

Quiz 4: Policy Analysis

Being committed to specific policy values and goals as well as ideological and partisan agendas is known as the ______ approach to policy analysis.

A systematic investigation of alternative policy options and the assembly and integration of the evidence for and against each option is referred to as ______.

______ refers to collecting and interpreting information that clarifies the causes and effects of public problems.

Researchers and academics conduct research to seek "truth." This approach to policy analysis is ______.

A growing sector of private organizations that conduct policy research often used by government policy makers is called ______.

______ refer(s) to the important factors that policy analysts will use to assess the proposed policy alternatives.

Policy analysis draws from the ideas and methods of which of the following disciplines?

Which best describes the approaches being taken by states to address the problem of cell phone use by drivers?

______ involves defining the problem, indicating goals and objectives to be sought, considering a range of alternatives, and evaluating each alternative before recommending a particular solution.

Think tanks study problems and alternatives in order to help policy makers make decisions. The type of policy analysis typically conducted by think tanks is called ______.

Making modest changes in policy is known as what?

______ are defined as the immediate causes of a given social problem.

Policy alternatives relating to the use of cell phones while driving are discussed in the first part of Chapter 4. Several agencies of the federal government have recommended which of the following policy actions?

Analyzing problems, studying possible policy alternatives, and evaluating the efficiency or effectiveness of policies are examples of what?

______ is considered to be the more realistic approach.

Policy analysis that puts a priority on citizen involvement and alignment with public opinion emphasizes ______.

One of the basic questions that all analysis must answer is whether they should focus on the ______ of public problems or examine policy actions that might ameliorate a pressing problem, but do nothing about its underlying causes.

Policy analysts who propose policies that align with mainstream public values are taking an approach to policy formulation known as ______.

Which of the following conduct different kinds of policy analysis that is often very helpful to the policymaking process?