Policy Analysis Project
Topic for your policy paper is due – Sept 30
This is worth 5 points. This should include your policy research topic – issue, problem definition, description of standing policy or law in your own words, identify important variables (and start thinking about how you might measure them). You may upload this to BrightSpace by midnight. You may also hand in a printed copy prior to this date if you want feedback sooner.
Formatting: Write 3 paragraphs including introduction (at least working introduction), what you are going to do and how you are going to do it, and what you expect to find or what you are looking for. Also include the aforementioned issue, problem definition, description of the standing policy or law in your own words within the 3 paragraphs.
Outline of your paper is due Oct 17.
This is worth an additional 6 points. Be as detailed as you can (just headings are acceptable) at this point. Important to include your research question and possible hypotheses (“if this…then that”) and important variables to explore (statistics on gun deaths as related to gun violence for example or # of DWIs as related to underage drinking, for example). Use Rinfret and CQ books to help guide you. Feel free to come to office hours for more guidance or feedback. We will take class time to work on project as time allows.
Formatting: Use outline form. Continue to flesh out or elaborate on your topic and use my comments from previous assignment.
The first draft is due Nov 14.
It should include topic, research question, methodology, policy story (define issue, what is the context of the issue, how did it become salient or a public policy issue, where is it in the “policy cycle). This is worth an additional 10 points. Please upload to BrightSpace and you may also bring printed copy to class for quicker feedback. I will return your draft on BrightSpace or typed copy with comments and then we will work on revisions, findings, conclusions.
Formatting: First draft should be minimum 5 pages or 2000 words (line spacing should be 1.5 to 2 – no additional spacing before or after paragraphs). In addition attach your references. You should have 5 to 6 secondary references from academic and/or governmental and/or non-profit research sources. Primary research sources like interviews are encouraged. Interview questions and answers should be included in appendices. Interviews may be alluded to in draft and attached to final draft.
The final draft (including revisions from first draft, findings, and conclusions) is due Dec 4 (bring printed copy to class).
We can work on references and citations and any final touches during scheduled class time at Resnick to be announced. Final draft is worth additional 10 points. Presentations (worth additional 10 points) will be last week of class and during final exam to be announced. Presentations should be 5 to 7 minutes. Listeners should participate by asking questions to the presenter.
Formatting: Final draft suggested 6 – 10 pages for a total of 2000+ to 5000 (about 300 words per page (12 font), double spaced) words plus in-text citations and references. Use MLA or APA citation format. Please use in-text () citations and list of references.
"Policy Analysis is the process of identifying potential policy options that could address a problem and comparing those options to choose the most effective, efficient, and feasible one." (CDC Polaris)
Important questions to ask yourself when researching and writing your assignment:
*Does the law, if one has been adopted, work?
*What phase of the policy cycle is it in currently?
*What are possible obstacles to success? Are they political, budgetary, or something else in nature?
*Who are the major players? Is the policy one that is or is likely to be supported by those on different political standings?
*What level of government does this best apply to?
*What are the expected short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes? If the policy is already in effect, what have the impacts, both positive and negative, been?
Here are links to a few online guides and overviews on policy analysis:
1. CDC.gov - Policy Analysis guide
2. Monash University - What is Policy Analysis? Concepts, Tools, and Methodologies
3. Penn State - "PL SC 490 Public Policy-Making and Evaluation"
4. ColumnContent Think Tank - "Policy Evaluation: How to Know If Your Policies Actually Work"
Use the "Resources" tab at the top of the webpage to access a list of various resources that can help you complete this assignment. The exact sources you use will be dependent upon the specific policy you select. Studies and articles about the specific subject your policy targets will be your best friend!
You can also contact a librarian at the Resnick Library to schedule a one-on-one meeting for support in locating further resources (or schedule over Starfish Success) .