Question 1

Assigned the task of comparing two different policy approaches to a problem,you decide to evaluate the cost effectiveness of each option.Even though Option A is
Cheaper,you find that the program's personnel prefer Option B.How does this
Impact the viability of your proposal?

Accepted Answer

The preference of the program personnel for Option B, despite its higher cost, suggests that they believe it to be more effective. Ignoring their input could result in poor implementation and diminished outcomes. While the preference of the personnel may need to be balanced against other considerations such as budget, ignoring it completely would be unwise. Therefore, Option B may be the more viable proposal, despite its higher cost.

Question 2

Identify and describe three of the seven major avenues for finding policy-relevant information.

Accepted Answer

1. Government Websites: Many government agencies and departments have websites where they publish policy reports, research findings, and other relevant information. These websites are a valuable resource for finding up-to-date and reliable information on various policy issues.

2. Academic Journals and Publications: Academic journals and publications are another important avenue for finding policy-relevant information. Researchers and scholars often publish their findings and analysis on policy issues in these journals, providing in-depth and well-researched insights into various topics.

3. Think Tanks and Research Organizations: Think tanks and research organizations conduct in-depth research and analysis on a wide range of policy issues. Their reports and publications often provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, making them a crucial source of policy-relevant information. Many of these organizations also have websites where they publish their research findings and reports, making it easier to access their work.

Question 3

Policy analysis of efficiency looks at

Accepted Answer

Policy analysis of efficiency focuses on examining the cost-effectiveness of a policy. It looks at how efficiently a policy achieves its intended goals and objectives by analyzing the costs involved in implementing and maintaining the policy versus the benefits obtained from it. This analysis helps policymakers make informed decisions about whether to continue, modify, or terminate a policy.

Question 4

In many areas of the country,over 40 percent of people eligible for supplemental nutrition programs (SNAP)do not participate.Apparently SNAP is not a fully valid
Federal program.How would you explain this lack of validity?

Accepted Answer

The lack of participation in the SNAP program can be explained as a problem in public perceptions. This may be due to various reasons such as stigma attached to receiving help, lack of awareness about the program, or a belief that the program is not fully valid or effective.

Question 5

After careful and systematic analysis,you determine that a particular approach to implementing a policy is most likely to accomplish what the policy's designers intended.How would you best describe this implementation approach?

Accepted Answer

The best way to describe an approach that is most likely to accomplish a policy's intended goals is "effective." This means that the approach is successful in achieving the desired outcomes and meets the requirements of the policy. While efficiency and affordability are important considerations, they do not necessarily guarantee effectiveness. Justifiability is a separate concept that refers to the rational basis for a policy decision, rather than the implementation approach.

Question 6

Why is it important for a policy analyst to critically evaluate information or recommendations received from think-tank organizations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it important for a policy...

Question 7

Which of the following serves as the guiding principle for a systematic policy analysis?

Accepted Answer

The guiding principle for a systematic policy analysis should be the policy's goals, as they provide the framework for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy. Funding, public opinion, and bipartisan support are important considerations, but they should be secondary to the policy's goals.

Question 8

Usage of the food bank that you coordinate has increased substantially in the last year resulting in a review of operating policies.The review finds that you rely on
Undocumented reports of income to determine eligibility,so some of the recipients of
Donated food may not actually qualify for services.Why might your board refuse to
Change this policy?

Accepted Answer

The board may refuse to change this policy due to subjectivity, as relying on undocumented reports of income can be a subjective process, and the board may not want to introduce further subjectivity into the eligibility process. Additionally, the board may believe that the current policy aligns with the mission and goals of the program, and changing it would go against their values and priorities. Improving efficiency or effectiveness may not be relevant to the board's decision-making process in this case.

Question 9

A social policy that is ineffective but still in use is

Accepted Answer

Drug enforcement policies, particularly those associated with the "War on Drugs," have been widely criticized for being ineffective, leading to high incarceration rates without significantly reducing drug use or trafficking.

Question 10

The term "pay-go" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term "pay-go" refers to:
...

Question 11

Your power analysis of a proposed policy suggests that many well-financed and organized groups are likely to oppose adoption of the policy.How would you describe this policy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your power analysis of a proposed policy...

Question 12

An effective policy framework

Accepted Answer

An effective policy framework should evaluate the congruence of a policy with the mission and goals of the social welfare state. This means that the policy should align with the overall purpose and objectives of the welfare state, rather than being a standalone or narrow approach. Concern for the political process and stakeholders, focusing on multiple policies at once, and relying on intuition over rational analysis can all lead to ineffective policy frameworks.

Question 13

An example of an unintended consequence of a social policy is

Accepted Answer

Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. However, in some cases, it has been sold illegally to street addicts, leading to unintended consequences such as overdose and addiction. This is an unintended consequence of the social policy aimed at providing treatment for drug addiction.

Question 14

Families headed by single mothers are among the most likely to be poor.One recent policy decision,to increase child support enforcement,was intended to help rectify this situation.Your analysis determines that this policy adversely impacts the father's
New family.Why might you support reversal of this policy?

Accepted Answer

The rationale for supporting the reversal of the policy is that a good policy should aim to benefit at least one party without causing harm to another. In this case, while the policy of increasing child support enforcement might benefit children and single mothers by providing them with more financial support, it could adversely affect the father's new family by potentially reducing their financial resources. This unintended consequence goes against the principle of creating policies that do not harm others while providing benefits, making D the correct choice.

Question 15

Discuss the different levels on which policy analysis frameworks can be used by social work practitioners.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the different levels on which policy...

Question 16

Social work practice is most clearly affected and influenced by

Accepted Answer

Social work practice is heavily influenced by social policy, as social policies determine funding, laws, and government programs that social workers rely on to provide services to their clients. Social policy also impacts the populations social workers serve, as it can impact access to resources, services, and support systems. Public opinion, private sector economics, and competition for funding may also have some influence on social work practice, but not to the same extent as social policy.

Question 17

The domestic violence shelter where you work was originally designed to provide safe shelter for women and children facing threats of physical violence.Over time,
Admission criteria have expanded to include threats of emotional abuse,so staff
Expertise to address emotional problems is not required.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The expansion of admission criteria to explicitly include emotional abuse is an unintentional consequence of the shelter's operation. While it may be necessary to include emotional abuse under the admission criteria, the shelter's staff may not be equipped to handle emotional problems. This expansion of admission criteria can lead to staffing problems, lack of expertise in dealing with emotional problems, and potentially put residents at risk.

Question 18

You begin a new job at a nonprofit agency that serves victims of domestic violence.The job training program for victims requires that participants end their relationship with the abuser before starting training.You disagree with this policy.Why might you be interested in the historical background for this policy?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the historical background for the policy will give you a deeper understanding of the complexities and factors that led to its adoption. This will be important if you plan to challenge the policy or propose changes to it. Blaming someone or collecting information to file an ethics complaint should not be the first approach when trying to address issues within an organization.

Question 19

Discuss some hidden issues that make a social policy such as mandatory drug testing for all employees a complex analysis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss some hidden issues that make a...

Question 20

Why is it imperative for policy analysts to understand the value premise of the policy as well as the underlying assumptions it has?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it imperative for policy analysts...

Quiz 3: Social Welfare Policy Research

Assigned the task of comparing two different policy approaches to a problem,you decide to evaluate the cost effectiveness of each option.Even though Option A is Cheaper,you find that the program's personnel prefer Option B.How does this Impact the viability of your proposal?