Policy Analysis

A process that is a critical part of the policy-making process as it plays a significant role in problem definition, policy implementation, and evaluation of agency efforts to meet policy goals and objectives. It is most often associated with systematic assessment of policy alternatives to inform the public, stimulate debate, and lead to a desired course of action. Overall, policy analysis involves data collection and interpre tation to clarify the causes and effects of public problems, as well as the consequences of employing various policy alternatives.

The policy analysis process involves several steps: (a) problem definition, (b) designing policy alternatives, (c) developing evaluative criteria, (d) assessing alternatives, and (e) drawing conclusions (Kraft & Furlong, 2007). Defining problems prompts policy analysts to ask questions such as the following: Who are being affected by the problem? What are the major causes? How might policy actions make an impact? Cell phone use while driving has emerged as a policy problem, as analysts work to determine its relationship to auto accidents. While formulating policy alternatives, questions as to which policy options might be considered for addressing a problem are likely to arise. Examining the use of cell phones while driving, policy analysts and various decision makers are likely to consider a range of actions that could potentially reduce its occurrence. The aim is to determine which course of action will most likely change behaviors—in this case, regulating or discouraging driving while talking on a cell phone. The next step is to develop the criteria that are most suitable for the problem and the policy alternatives. In this stage, analysts and policy decision makers consider what the costs of a policy action are, which action is likely to be more effective, and whether the alternatives are politically and socially feasible. What criteria, for example, are most important for regulating the use of cell phones while driving? What options would be most effective for regulating this behavior? Will the public find these restrictions acceptable? After determining which activities or behaviors are likely to be addressed by the policy, analysts and decision makers will assess the various alternatives. In this case, they will examine the practices of other jurisdictions in addressing the problem of cell phone use while driving. Alternatives such as requiring hands-free technologies and imposing fines, among others, are likely to be discussed and vetted. Ultimately, a conclusion must be drawn as to which is the best course of action. In some instances, there may be very little consensus on what should be done, while in other instances, the analysis reveals a clear path of action. For more information, see Kraft and Furlong (2007).