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Methods for Policy Research
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Methods for Policy Research
Taking Socially Responsible Action

Second Edition
Volume: 3
June 2013 | 184 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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This is a book about responsible and evidence-based decision making. It describes how to define policy research questions so that evidence can be applied to them, how to find and synthesize existing evidence, how to generate new evidence if needed, how to make acceptable recommendations that can solve policy problems without negative side effects, how to describe evidence and recommendations in a manner that changes minds. This book is for the community of learners interested in improving the decisions that affect peopleÆs lives. Policies are not just the decisions made by a countryÆs rulers or elected officials; policies are also set by corporate executives, managers of department stores, and project leaders in non-profit organizations pursuing environmental protection. In this book, we derive our suggestions from the fundamental belief that evidence-based decision making is superior to decisions based purely on opinion, intuition, and emotion. If we can convince one reader to consider the evidence systematically and responsibly before making a decision, and if we can help one individual to communicate evidence and recommendations in a way that facilitates real change, then this book has achieved the goals we set for ourselves when we sat down to write it.
 
Foreword to the First Edition
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Make a Difference With Policy Research
 
2. Launch the Policy Research Process
 
3. Synthesize Existing Evidence
 
4. Obtain New Evidence
 
5. Design Policy Recommendations
 
6. Expand Stakeholder Engagement
 
7. Reflect on the Policy Research Voyage
 
References
 
Index

Loved the first edition as a graduate student when it came out in the mid-80s; so happy that a new edition was developed so that I can share it with my graduate students.

Dr Theresa Kaimanu
School Of Government, Portland State University
June 3, 2015
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still under review for consideration.

Dr Bal Barot
Science, Lake Michigan College - Napier Ave
October 14, 2013
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Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

  • Each chapter’s phase in the policy research voyage (depicted by artwork with a nautical theme) includes clearly defined activities, deliverables, criteria for successful performance, and workflow diagrams.
  • Policy Change Wheel and STORM Context Conditions frameworks make it easier for readers to remember what needs to be done.
  • New chapters on synthesizing available evidence (Chapter 3) and reflecting on policy research experiences (Chapter 7) broaden the book’s coverage.
  • Updated examples drawn from a variety of contexts, including international and business policy, as well as domestic issues, illustrate applications of evidence-based decision making in the real world.
  • Chapter 1, Making a Difference with Policy Research, now reflects an action-orientation toward not just doing policy research, but also toward fostering change and doing policy research responsibly.

KEY FEATURES:

  • A how-to orientation encourages readers to consider the evidence systematically and responsibly before making a decision and to communicate evidence and recommendations in a way that facilitates real change.
  • Real world examples throughout the text show readers the everyday applications of policy decision making.
  • Exercises at the end of each chapter give students an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.

This is a substantially revised edition of Methods for Policy Research, originally published in 1984. This book reframes policy research as responsible and evidence-based decision making. It describes how to define policy research questions so that evidence can be applied to them, how to find and synthesize existing evidence, how to generate new evidence if needed, how to make acceptable recommendations that can solve policy problems without harmful side effects, how to describe evidence and recommendations in a manner that changes minds. This book is meant to help individuals who want to improve the policy decisions that affect people's lives.

Responsible and evidence-based decision making is needed not just in government and social service agencies. It is also needed in businesses and in nongovernmental organizations such as charities, foundations, and non-profits. In this book, we state our values clearly: We believe that evidence-based decision making is superior to decisions based purely on opinion, intuition, and emotion. We also believe that responsible decision-making requires taking into account the possibility of harmful consequences from policy change, no matter how well intentioned those changes may be.

Each chapter now has clearly defined activities and deliverables, supported by workflow diagrams, along with tracking indicators that policy researchers can use to assess how well they are performing the activities. New frameworks are presented such as the M2 test (meaningfulness and manageability), the Policy Change Wheel, and STORM (Social, Technical, Organizational, Regulatory, and Market) context conditions to make it easier for readers to remember what needs to be done. All examples are updated, they are drawn from a variety of contexts, including international and business policy, as well as domestic policy and social service.

Each chapter was substantially revised to make the activities and outcomes of policy research clear. We've introduced new content, including an entirely new chapter on synthesizing existing evidence. We've exposed the reader to useful websites, to new ways of involving stakeholders in the Case for Change, and to ways of ensuring that recommendations derived from evidence-gathering are meaningful and manageable. A nautical theme, a conversational style, and humor are used throughout to make the reading enjoyable. (Look out for puns!)

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

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