patton drg's notes ch 1-2-3-4

7/29/2019 Patton DrG's Notes Ch 1-2-3-4

1/19

Pg Title Note Date Modified

My CourseSmart Notes 3/8/2013 Chapters 1 - 4

Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, Third Edition

by Carl V. Patton; David S. Sawicki; Jennifer J. Clark

176 Operationalize

Measures are used to operationalize the criteria. Example: On time take-offs for Delta.

Notice that these terms move from the more abstract and client oriented to the more

practical and analyst oriented.

3/8/2013

176What are evaluative

criteria?

They can be measures, rules, and standards . . . all those attributes, objectives, or goals

which have been judged relevant in a given decision situation by a particular decision maker

(individual or group). Criteria are used to help us compare the alternatives. Quade defines a

criterion as the standard by which we can rank the alternatives in order of preference, using

the information uncovered about their impacts.

3/8/2013

xiii Quick analysis Does anyone see any disadvantages to this idea? Think about Pariser... 2/4/2013

xiiiWhat is this book

about?Important to note what authors say their book is about. 2/4/2013
http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986


2/19

143 Problem statements

Problem statements set the analytic agenda, but they may also be adopted by the media, by

politicians, by community groups, by task forces, and by other constituent groups. A

convincing problem statement can focus resources of many groups on an importantproblem.

3/8/2013

144Defining the

problem.

1. Think about the problem. 2. Delineate the boundaries of the problem. 3. Develop a fact

base. 4. List goals and objectives. 5. Identify the policy envelope. 6. Display potential costs

and benefits. 7. Review the problem statement.

3/8/2013

143

4.2 DEVELOPING THE

PROBLEM

STATEMENT

Verify the initial problem statement. Use the best ava ilable data to cut the problem do wn to

size Define the problem from the perspectives of interested parties Id entify potential

winners and losers, and Conduct a first approximation of the analysis. The task of the

analyst is to move from a general problem concept to specific measures of that problem, so

that alternatives can be devised and evaluated.

3/8/2013

145 Develop a fact base

Problem: the poor pay more for health care. Facts that should become part of our analytic

base would include information about the key words and phrases. Poor Pay more (added

thought to what Patton says here--pay more relative to what? Sales tax disproportionately

affects people w. less money--paying 8% tax on something that costs $100 impacts you more

when you earn $800/week v. $2,000/week right? Health care

3/8/2013

144

Delineate the

boundaries of the

problem.

We must be aware of the connection of the problem under analysis to other problems. As

these other problems are resolved or as they worsen, our analysis can be affected.3/8/2013
http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986http://instructors.coursesmart.com/notes?getallnotes=true&xmlid=9780205185986


3/19

142 Values

What values are inherent in your policy problem? Important for problem definition.

"Problems can be verified, defined, and detailed only in relation to the values of the groups

and individuals involved."

3/8/2013

142

When performance

and standards are

increasing...

Banfield has pointed out the ironic situation in which performance is actually increasing, but

standards are increasing even more rapidly, with the result that improvement looks like

decline.5 Recent criticisms of federal education policy set in No Child Left Behind have

highlighted how simultaneous gains in school perfor mance in the context of increasing

standards can make improving schools look like failures.6

3/8/2013

143Potential value of

vague goals

Inconsistent or ambiguous goals allow policymakers to support conflicting policies. How?

See p. 142.3/8/2013

142

Unintended

consequences

matter...

Advise your client that defining a problem so that it can be reso lved is counterproductive if

the unintended consequences are worse than the original condition. ... Policy analysis

should reveal the consequences of the proposed actionintended and unintendedfor

everyones benefit.

3/8/2013

143 Doing nothingDoing nothing is a possible policy. "The do-nothing option comes in a variety of styles" What

are they?3/8/2013


4/19

1283.6.3 Organizing the

Report

Give your readers a road map. p. 127+ A report organized according to this method would

contain the following sections: 1. Summary, 2. Problem Definition, 3. Evaluation Criteria, 4.

Alternatives, 5. Analysis and Comparison, 6. Conclusion, and 7. Next Steps.

3/8/2013

125

3.6

COMMUNICATING

THE ANALYSIS

Simplicity Accuracy Documentation Fairness 3/8/2013

141Identifying and

defining the problemPragmatic approach Social-criterion approach 3/8/2013

140 Framing the problem Concrete terms Normative standards (about values, expected behavior) 3/8/2013


5/19

107

Developing the

layout of your

hypothesis

See p.107+ for examples of graphic displays of info on housing/income/neighborhood pop 3/8/2013

119

Guidelines for

preparing useful

tables and graphics

See Patton p. 118 (Dependent variable: that which you are trying to explain. It's value is

dependent upon the effect of other variables (the independent variables. Dep variable

example: Recidivism) (Independent variable: variable(s) that is hypothesized to cause, or

lead to, variation in the dependent variable. Indep variables you could look at to

understand/explain recidivism: criminal history, substance abuse, antisocial attitudes,

antisocial peers, etc.)

3/8/2013

117 Table 3.8

Geospatial analysis online and software

resources and integrated data depositories

3/8/2013

122 Statistical tests

A var ety o stat stca tests can e use to answer t e queston o w et er two or more

variables are associated or are independent. Which one to use depends on the scale of

measurement with which we are working: nominal, for which so me characteristic is

classified into exhaustive, mutually exclusive but not ordered categories (ethnicity, e.g., with

categories defined so they dont overlap); ordinal, for which some characteristic is classified

into exhaustive, mutually exclusive and ordered categories (e.g., popularity ranking or level

of education completed); or interval, for which some characteristic is classified on a scale

3/8/2013

1203.5.5 Descriptive

StatisticsMeasures that summarize the attributes of a data set. 3/8/2013


6/19

100Estimating data

quality

Patton recommends scoring scheme for: What wer e the data collected? How were the data

collected? When were the data collected? Why were the data collected? Who collected the

data? p.100

3/8/2013

90Information required

to undertake analysis

Historical background and context Basic facts Political attitudes and resources of major

actors. Forecasts and p rojections Additional contacts and materials. p.89-90

3/8/2013

105 Graphic techniques Info on graphic displays. Table 3.3 3/8/2013

102 Document analysisRecord ideas. Record references. Record names. Have a purpose. Place the documents in

priority order. Develop categories Record facts. Set deadlines.3/8/2013

106The preparation of

graphics

should be part of both the analytical and communication processes. Four basic steps in

preparing useful graphics--see p. 105.3/8/2013


7/19

86

6 components of

usually part of

judicial opinions

P.85-86 3/8/2013

81 Anoth er gov't sou rce Nation al Crimina l Jus tice Referen ce Service (NC JRS) https :/ /www.n cjrs. gov/ 3/ 8/2013

89Interviewing and

Surveysp. 89 + 3/8/2013

89 Elite interviewing Can be quite important to policy analysis. Why? 3/8/2013


8/19

76Critically evaluate

sources

Ask questions of the material and data you find as you work on your policy problem. See a

couple of questions posed here for examples.3/8/2013

76Academic journals in

Policy Analysis

Journal of the American Planning Association Journal of Planning Education and Research

Journal of Policy Analysis and Management Policy Studies Journal and Reviews American

Review of Public Administration Policy Sciences Research Policy

3/8/2013

80Senate and House

Committees

Is a Senate or House Committee working on your policy issue? (I know the answer is yes for

some of you!)3/8/2013

79 Finding resources Indexes, journals--see specific examples here. 3/8/2013


9/19

56Methods by Steps in

PA processKnow this. Know this. Know this. 2/14/2013

68By the time analysts

get involved...people have been working on issue and may be more resistant to alternative suggestions. 3/2/2013

57Important terms to

knowKnow these terms. 2/13/2013

74Importance of

librariesSee text re: how libraries can help assess quality of information, think of Pariser's TED talk. 3/2/2013

69Chapter 3--what is

covered

procedures for identifying, gathering and analyzing existing data, conducting specialized

interviews and quick surveys, for producing basic analyses and for communicating the

results.

3/2/2013


10/19

53 follow throughImportant for policy analysts to follow through on their work--nothing works well if it is not

implemented and monitored well.2/14/2013

51 Presentation of info

As you read about your policy issue and follow your policy makers think about the info you

are "gathering", defining the issues within it, the actors, defining the problem, etc. And

importantly--the most effective way to present various kinds of information.

2/14/2013

53More follow

through...postprogram evaluation--see text below too. 2/14/2013


11/19

40 Elements of PA Urban Institute's version of PA for state/local govt 2/14/2013

40 elements of PA, II see previous note 2/14/2013

44PA Process model by

Patton et alImportant to Know. 2/14/2013

42 Rational model Rational model approach cannot always work...why? 2/14/2013

45Problems w. defining

the problem

Often org's cannot or will not m ake clear statements of objectives, particularly problematic

in public org's. Why?2/14/2013

44 Giraffe"Don't accept the initial problem statement without question." Did you ask yourself if the

giraffe belonged in the fridge?2/14/2013


12/19

33Administrative

discretion

"Through administrative discretion a career civil servant participates in governing a

democratic society without being directly accountable to the electorate." What does Rohr

mean by this?

3/8/2013

35 Partisan

A political resolution may look different than an analytical resolution. Disputes over values

versus disputes over facts. --> What is a current policy issue where the dispute is over values

not facts (or to a lesser extent facts)? -->What is a current policy issue where the dispute is

over facts and to a lesser extent values?

2/14/2013

34 Fiduciary model

What does this mean in practice? --> sometimes the client may select the option that isn't

the best one, or that is not in his/her best interests. Your professional obligation is to

educate, inform, present evidence and options; but it is the client's decision ultimately. The

idea of obligation to a third party has merit for policy analysts in the public sector--does it in

the private sector?

2/14/2013

40important elements

in PA

There are several examples of the elements or steps of PA; they are not identical. What are

the commonalities? Differences? Are the differences significant? PA is an iterative process.2/14/2013

38 Figure 2.3Framework for ethical analysis. Questions posed across 4 areas in relation to one's self; to

employees and clients; colleagues and the profession; and the general public.2/14/2013


13/19

31 Ethical theories

Please do not brush over this section. Educated people not knowing the foundation of ethics

as a philosophy and how it is applied poses significant problems for both the private and

public sector. Think of the unethical behavior we've learned about over just the past few

years...

2/14/2013

30 Teleological theories Teleo---what is the meaning of teleo? 2/14/2013

33Obligation,

responsibilityDo th ese con cepts app ly to private and public s ector equa lly? Why/why n ot? 2/ 14/2013

33 Tong's pointPersonal integrity. Consistency. Delaying immediate gratification. Curbing impulsive

behavior...what a wonderful world it would be...2/14/2013

33Administrative

discretion

Question: a diner is frequented by many police officers. The owner of the diner lets the

officers park in his lot for free. Should the police accept this offer? The ethical issues of the

day come in small p ackages, generally. Big clear ethical issues (dumping toxic waste in river,

medical trials that find the medicine is harming people) are big and clear. There are

thousands of small package ethical issues that on more cynical days I think our society is

really failing at...Thoughts?

2/14/2013


14/19

27Role of client or

manager

PA is an interactive process; these are good suggestions for what how a client/manager

should be involved.2/14/2013

29 Values in govt

This is a great point as well. Values gets bantered about as such a black/white issue but what

those discussions rarely get to is that there is a core set of values that the pub lic expects

Govt to uphold--that isn't about issues like abortion or gun control. What are some of those

values? Fairness, ethical policies, honesty...

2/14/2013

28 EXCELLENT pointWorking ethically, every day. Did anyone watch the show Boss, with Kelsey Grammer on the

Starz network? Good examples of unethical work that harmed the public good.2/14/2013


15/19

23 Prospective PA Note principle tasks involved--good outline for several class assignments. 2/14/2013

23 descriptive PA often used in conjunction with prospective PA 2/14/2013

24What constitutes

good PA?

logical, valid, replicable, info that can be us ed by decision makers, info is economically viable,

tech feasible, ethical, politically acceptable, and it moves toward resolving public issues.2/14/2013

24 More of what PA is... identifying the path for analysis 2/14/2013

25 Normative What is meant by normative views? 2/14/2013


16/19

22best option from

choicesConsideration of relations between the policies and goals 2/13/2013

22

Systematic

investigation of

options

...assembly and integration of the evidence for and against each option... very important

point.2/13/2013

23PA focused on

outcomes

AKA: ex ante, pre ho c, anticipatory, or prospective. Prior to implementation. Predictive

(projection) and prescriptive (problem has a definite solution and there exists a well-defined

procedure for achieving the solution).

2/13/2013

22Timing of policy

analysisBefore or after implementation? 2/13/2013


17/19

16 LISTEN to your client

Their definition of the problem may be accurate--but is it the complete picture? What other

things may be influencing/pushing/pulling on the issue that they have defined as a problem?

Your role is to go beyond what the client is saying/asking for and investigate other influential

factors.

2/4/2013

21

A good presentation

improves a good

product.

I'll second that: A good presentation improves a good product. 2/13/2013

21Products of policy

analysisWhat are the some examples of products of policy analysis? 2/13/2013

22Policy Analysis...over

timeFamiliarize yourself with this 2/13/2013

21History of policy

analysisKnow your history. 2/13/2013


18/19

11The problem should

dictate the methodsThis is probably the most important sentence in the book. 2/4/2013

10Types of Policy

Actions

It is important to understand these differences. Think of your policy topic--can you give an

example of your policy topic in each type of action?2/4/2013

12 Say it with numbers.VERY IMPORTANT. Use data to support your positions. Show people your argument, do not

tell people your argument. What do you think I mean by that?2/4/2013

11Creativity / own

approach

As someone trained in the social sciences, these kind of statements make me very nervous. I

am not sure I want a bunch of policy analysts running around making it up as they go

along...am I overreacting? Reassure me that what Patton et al are talking about is not a

hodge podge, mismash, mess at the end of the day...?

2/4/2013

14 Enduring Learning

This fits well with a component o f enduring learning, which I discussed in the syllabus video.

Being able to argue the point/side of others is important on many levels--like what/which

levels? What are the strengths to this s kill?

2/4/2013


19/19

2

characteristics of

modern policyproblems

How well does your policy issue fit with these characteristics outlined by Patton et al? 1.

They are not well defined. 2. They are seldom purely technical or purely political. 3. Their

solutions cannot usually be proven to be correct before application. 4. No problem solution

is ever guaranteed to achieve the intended result. 5. Problem solutions are seldom both best

and cheapest. 6. The adequacy of the solution is often difficult to measure against notions of

the public good. 7. The fairness of solutions is impossible to measure objectively.

2/4/2013

5

Comprehensive

planning v. policy

analysis

Note the differences. 2/4/2013

3

This book is for

people who wish to

improve their

analytical skills

How did your thinking about your analytical skills change after the TED video (E.Pariser) and

Critical Thinking quiz?2/4/2013

8Thinking like analysts

and plannersHave you started to think like an analyst and/or planner? 2/4/2013

7No standard

response...

What is the value in a standard response? What are the disadvantages to not having a

standard approach? Are the authors really suggesting a lack of standards?2/13/2013

patton drg's notes ch 1-2-3-4

Documents