Question 1

Policy analysts often investigate the ______ of a social problem in order to develop policy solutions that attack the problem before it might develop.
A) root causes
B) proximate causes
C) incremental causes
D) factorial causes

Accepted Answer

Root causes refer to the underlying reasons or origins of a problem. By identifying and addressing these root causes, rather than just the symptoms of the problem, policy analysts can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to the social problem.

Question 2

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 3

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 to policy analysis follows a systematic and logical decision-making process that involves defining the problem, considering a range of alternative solutions, evaluating each of the alternatives based on a set of criteria, and then recommending or choosing the alternative that has the greatest potential for solving the problem. This approach is often seen as the most rigorous and objective method of policy analysis.

Question 4

______ involves making more minor or modest policy changes.
A) Rational decision making
B) Comprehensive decision making
C) Feasible decision making
D) Incremental decision making

Accepted Answer

Incremental decision making involves making smaller policy changes, rather than large comprehensive changes. This approach allows for easier implementation and adjustment over time.

Question 5

Policy analysts that 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 is the approach described in the question. Contentious analysis involves advocating for policies that challenge the status quo or are controversial. Proximate cause analysis involves identifying the immediate cause of a problem, and adhering to professional practice standards involves following ethical guidelines and accepted practices in a particular field.

Question 6

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

The answer of Policy alternatives relating to the use of...

Question 7

Which is the correct sequence in the policy analysis process?
A) set agenda, formulate policy, legitimize policy, implement, and evaluate
B) define and Analyze problem, analyze policy alternatives, develop criteria, and assess
C) define problem, gather data, and operationalize problem
D) analyze problem, set criteria, implement policy and regulations, and legitimize

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence in the policy analysis process is to first define and analyze the problem, then analyze policy alternatives, develop criteria, and assess. Setting the agenda, formulating policy, and legitimizing policy are important but come later in the process. Implementing the policy and evaluating its effectiveness come last in the process. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as it includes the important steps in the correct order.

Question 8

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 policy alternatives, and evaluating policy effectiveness are all part of policy analysis, making B the correct answer. Incremental decision making (A) refers to making small changes or adjustments to existing policies or practices. Assessing alternatives (C) is a broad term that can apply to decision making in general but is not specific to policy analysis. Rational decision making (D) is a structured and logical approach to decision making that includes analyzing and evaluating alternatives, but it is not specific to policy analysis.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Making modest changes in policy is known as incremental decision making, which involves small modifications to existing policies rather than starting from scratch. Rational-comprehensive policy making involves a comprehensive analysis of all possible options and their consequences, constructing policy alternatives refers to generating various policy options, and root cause policy making involves addressing the underlying causes of a problem rather than just its symptoms.

Question 10

Which statement lists the most common use of policy analysis?
A) assessment of various policy alternatives and their likely effects
B) conducting scientific research into the root causes of social problems
C) analyzing the political feasibility of policy proposals
D) conducting polling of the public to assess support for various proposals

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis is primarily used to assess various policy alternatives and their likely effects. This involves gathering and analyzing data, evaluating the costs and benefits of different options, and considering the impact on stakeholders. While analyzing the political feasibility of policy proposals and conducting polling of the public may be part of this process, they are not the primary focus of policy analysis. Conducting scientific research into the root causes of social problems is a separate field altogether.

Question 11

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 to assess policy options and their potential impact on society. Each of these disciplines contributes unique perspectives and analytical tools to the policy analysis process, making an interdisciplinary approach essential for effective policy development and implementation.

Question 12

A systematic and organized way to evaluate problems, policy alternatives, or the effectiveness of government programs is referred to as _____.
A) policy formulation
B) policy legitimation
C) policy analysis
D) policy capacity

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis is the process of evaluating various aspects of a policy, including its goals, impacts, and effectiveness. It involves gathering and analyzing data, considering alternative policy options, and making recommendations for improvement. Policy formulation involves the development of new policies, while policy legitimation involves gaining support and approval for policies from various stakeholders. Policy capacity refers to the ability of a government to effectively implement and manage policies.

Question 13

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 for use by policymakers, including those in government. They often focus on specific topics, such as foreign policy or economic policy, and offer recommendations for policy changes. Political action committees and political parties are more focused on advocacy and influencing political campaigns, while state policy institutes may have a similar focus but are more localized in their efforts.

Question 14

______ refer to the important factors that policy analysts will use to assess the proposed policy alternatives. They are also used to analyze the impact of the policy after implementation.
A) Alternative assessment
B) Evaluative criteria
C) Ex post facto criteria
D) Redistributive factors

Accepted Answer

Evaluative criteria are the factors that policy analysts consider in order to assess the different policy alternatives. These criteria help to evaluate the impact of the policy after implementation. They are essential in assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and political feasibility of the proposed policy alternatives. Some examples of evaluative criteria include cost-effectiveness, impact on human rights, political feasibility, and public opinion.

Question 15

______ 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

Rational decision making involves all the steps mentioned in the statement, including defining the problem, setting goals and objectives, considering alternatives, and evaluating each alternative before making a decision. The other options do not encompass all these steps.

Question 16

Which of the following accurately refers to the relationship between policy analysis and politics in policy development?
A) The two are completely distinct.
B) Politics often plays a stronger role than policy analysis throughout the policy-making process.
C) Policy analysis, since it is based on data and scientific research, always plays a stronger role in decision making.
D) Politics often dominates in early states of policy development and less in the later stages.

Accepted Answer

Politics often plays a stronger role than policy analysis throughout the policy-making process because political considerations, such as public opinion, interest groups, and power dynamics, frequently influence decision-making more than purely analytical or scientific data.

Question 17

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 is characterized by a commitment to specific policy values and goals as well as ideological and partisan agendas. This approach often involves analyzing policies through the lens of political ideology and seeking to promote policies that align with a particular partisan agenda. It can be contrasted with the professional approach, which emphasizes technical expertise and neutrality in policy analysis, and the scientific approach, which emphasizes empirical analysis and rigorous research methods. The elite approach, meanwhile, focuses on the role of powerful actors and interest groups in shaping policy outcomes.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis involves collecting and interpreting information to understand the causes and effects of public problems. It is a systematic examination of the alternatives to address public issues and can help policymakers make informed decisions. The other options listed do not specifically refer to this process.

Question 19

___ 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 defined as immediate causes of a given social problem. Limited causes refer to a more narrow range of factors that contribute to a social problem, acknowledged causes are recognized by society as contributing to a social problem, and root causes are the underlying, fundamental reasons why a social problem exists.

Question 20

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

Prioritizing citizen involvement and alignment with public opinion emphasizes democratic political processes, which prioritize input and participation from citizens in decision-making. Rational comprehensive decision-making, scientific analysis, and pragmatic adjustments may also be important factors in policy analysis but they do not necessarily prioritize citizen involvement and alignment with public opinion.

Quiz 4: Policy Analysis

Policy analysts often investigate the ______ of a social problem in order to develop policy solutions that attack the problem before it might develop.

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 ______.

______ involves making more minor or modest policy changes.

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

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?

Which is the correct sequence in the policy analysis process?

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

Making modest changes in policy is known as what?

Which statement lists the most common use of policy analysis?

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

A systematic and organized way to evaluate problems, policy alternatives, or the effectiveness of government programs is referred to as _____.

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

______ refer to the important factors that policy analysts will use to assess the proposed policy alternatives. They are also used to analyze the impact of the policy after implementation.

______ 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.

Which of the following accurately refers to the relationship between policy analysis and politics in policy development?

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

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

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

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