Question 1

What is the purpose of scientific approaches to policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the purpose of scientific approaches...

Question 2

The Clean Air Act Amendments took place in ______.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Air Act Amendments occurred in 1990. These amendments established new requirements for auto emissions, air toxics, acid rain, ozone depletion, and interstate air pollution.

Question 3

Why is the construction of policy alternatives considered to be the most important stage of the policy analysis process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the construction of policy alternatives...

Question 4

Which of the following was identified as the most important step in the policymaking process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following was identified as...

Question 5

This text focuses on ______ or the likely success of proposals in solving the problem at hand.

Accepted Answer

The text is concerned with the likely success of proposals in solving the problem, which relates to their effectiveness.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of data that could be collected to study the root causes of poverty?

Accepted Answer

The number of students who drop out of high school can be an indicator of potential factors that lead to poverty, such as lack of educational opportunities, economic challenges, or social issues.

Question 7

In order to choose which policy options (such as sanctions or public education) are better than others to reduce cell phone use, policy analysts might use the criterion of efficiency. What question would they ask related to efficiency?

Accepted Answer

The question related to efficiency would be which of these options are likely to do the best job of reducing cell phone use. Option D is the only one that addresses this criterion, as it focuses on the effectiveness of the policy options in achieving the desired outcome. Options A and C relate more to acceptability and freedom, respectively, which are not criteria of efficiency. Option B focuses on the extent of reduction without considering the cost or investment required, which is an important factor in efficiency.

Question 8

In which year did the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) call for a total ban on cell phone use while driving (no calling, texting, or updating)?

Accepted Answer

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a total ban on cell phone use while driving in 2011, citing concerns over safety and the potential for distraction-related accidents.

Question 9

Which of the following statements best illustrates the rational-comprehensive approach to decision making?

Accepted Answer

The rational-comprehensive approach to decision making involves collecting data, considering various alternatives, and selecting the best option based on a thorough analysis of the information. Option A best illustrates this approach as the government collected data about illegal immigrants and then developed a comprehensive new policy tailored to their findings. The other options do not show the same level of data analysis and consideration of alternatives.

Question 10

Which of the following best defines the rational-comprehensive approach to policymaking?

Accepted Answer

The rational-comprehensive approach involves a rigorous analysis of the problem at hand, as well as a thorough examination of the possible impacts of various policy solutions. This approach attempts to identify the optimal policy solution for the given problem by considering all available information and taking a comprehensive, logical, and analytical approach.

Question 11

The purpose of policy analysis is to ______.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of policy analysis is to provide information and impartial assessments of options to aid the policymaking process. It is not about evaluating existing policy criteria, legitimizing and implementing public policies, or providing rational-comprehensive models of public behavior.

Question 12

The Center for American Progress and the Heritage Foundation often use ______ to promote a preferred policy.

Accepted Answer

The question is asking about which type of analysis these organizations often use to promote their preferred policy. While it's possible that they might use scientific or professional policy analysis, the key phrase in the question is "promote a preferred policy," which suggests that they are more likely using political policy analysis to advance their agenda. Program evaluation is less likely to be relevant in this context since it typically involves assessing the effectiveness of existing policies, rather than advocating for new ones.

Question 13

Which of the following is most likely to conduct political forms of policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a political advocacy group that often conducts policy analysis to support its stance on gun rights and influence legislation.

Question 14

Explain the professional approach to policy analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the professional approach to policy analysis....

Question 15

In the 1980s, the federal government sponsored a decade long study of the causes and consequences of acid rain at a cost of ______ million.

Accepted Answer

The question states that the study lasted a decade, which is 10 years. The cost is given in millions, so the answer must be in the hundreds digit. Of the options given, only C is in the hundreds digit range. A is too low, B is too low for a decade-long study, and D is too high. Therefore, the best choice is C, which is $500 million.

Question 16

What are some examples of evaluative criteria that can be used in policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some examples of evaluative criteria...

Question 17

By 2018, ______ states had banned texting for all drivers.

Accepted Answer

By 2018, 47 states had banned texting for all drivers as part of efforts to reduce distractions and improve road safety.

Question 18

Explain the political approach to policy analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the political approach to policy analysis....

Question 19

To reduce drivers' cell phone use, should state governments institute sanctions such as tickets or fines? Or should they try to educate drivers on cell phone use? These are examples of which part of the policy analysis process?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of constructing policy alternatives, as the question is presenting different options for state governments to address the issue of cell phone use while driving.

Question 20

What is the first step in policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the first step in policy...

Quiz 4: Policy Analysis