Public Policy vocabulary chapters 5, 6, & 8

brainstorming

Used to foster creativity in consideration of policy alternatives. In a small group setting, individuals are encouraged to think of possible solutions without imposing constraints on the discussion or criticizing ideas as they are offered

causes

The factors that are thought to bring about a given situation or problem. Used in problem analysis to identify how a problem came to exist and why it continues

creative thinking

Refers to a way of analyzing public problems and their solutions that goes beyond conventional ideas. Important for imagining and proposing unusual solution 

ideal situation

A reference used in policy analysis whereby a highly preferable or ideal goal or solution to a problem might be set

issue framing

The practice in which policymakers and interest groups do whatever they can to set the policy agenda in their favor by defining problems their way 

literaure review

A review or assessment of available analyses or writings about a given subject. This can be a way to discover what has been written on a subject and what policy approaches have been tried in various settings

no-action analysis

A policy alternative that considers the advantages or disadvantages of taking no new action, and thus keeping a current policy in place. Maintains the status quo.

operational measures

A specific way to define and measure a policy problem, such as a rate of poverty or unemployment. Often useful when quantitative measures of problems are needed

parallel situation

A similar condition in a related policy area that might provide ideas for what actions might be undertaken to address a problem

passive collection

Finding out what others have suggested in a given policy area by speaking with a program’s clients or administrators, advocates of various positions, and organizations that have taken a position on the issues

policy design

A form of policy analysis that occurs during policy formulation, where an analyst considers how the various components of a proposed policy fit together and how they are likely to work to solve a problem. Involves consideration of what actions government will take and how they will affect “target populations,” or the people most affected by the policy

problem analysis

A series of methods that can be used to analyze the causes of public problems, where they exist, what effects they have, and what might be done about them

public attitudes and habits

The collective opinion or practice of the public, which can become entrenched due to long-standing habits and can influence policy action

quick survey

Talking with people in a particular policy network or searching through hearings transcripts, minutes of meetings, newspaper accounts, and the like for pertinent information about a problem and policy alternatives

solutions

Proposed alternatives to solve a given problem once the causes have been identified

supply and demand perspectives

Two views on how to think about public problems. One focuses on the quantity of the good or service that is, or can be made, available (supply) and the other on its use by the public (demand)—which might increase or decrease. For example, energy policy could try to increase the supply or decrease the demand through conservation.

contingent valuation methods

The use of surveys to determine the economic value that people place on certain goods or services for which there is no market value. Used in cost-benefit analysis to consider intangible costs or benefits, such as a safe community or clean water

cost-benefit analysis

A form of policy analysis in which the costs and benefits of proposed policy actions are considered carefully. Often, although not always, the major costs and benefits are measured quantitatively by their value in dollars.

discount rate

A calculation made in conducting cost-benefit analysis that takes into account the changing value of a dollar over time. Future costs and benefits are “discounted” to present value by using estimated inflation rates.

ethical analysis

Policy analysis that is based on ethical principles or norms, such as personal freedom or equality. It can supplement analysis based largely on economic, political, or administrative concerns.

impact assessment

A form of policy analysis that examines the likely effects or impacts of proposed or adopted policies. These may be environmental, social, economic, or other significant impacts

implementation analysis

A form of policy analysis that examines the process and effects of implementing public policy. Can be used to anticipate likely implementation problems prior to adoption or to document actual problems after a policy has been put into effect

opportunity costs

Common in economic analysis; one considers the value of opportunities that are forgone when time or resources are spent on a given activity. It is what people might have done with the same time or resources if they had had the choice.

program evaluation

Focuses more on policy results or outcomes than on the process of implementation, but the two go together. Evaluation of any program may be an essential part of longterm implementation success, and there are many different ways to evaluate a program.

risk assessment

A calculation or estimate of the risks to society posed by a given situation, such as terrorism or natural hazards—for example, hurricanes. A specialized and technical form of policy analysis that can identify risks and estimate their severity 

risk evaluation

Use of various methods to determine the level of risk that is acceptable to the public and policymakers. For example, to what extent should the nation protect its citizens against the risk of air pollution or unsafe food or water? Risk evaluation addresses the question of how safe is safe enough.

risk management

Describes public policies that are adopted to manage or control various risks. For example, antiterrorist policies are designed to lower the risk that terrorism presents for public safety, and pollution-control policies aim to reduce risk to public health posed by various chemicals

sensitivity analysis

A way to adjust policy analysis by making it sensitive or responsive to changes in any one variable so that the consequences can be better understood under varying assumptions. For example, forecasting can be made sensitive to different assumptions about economic growth or inflation

culture of poverty

A term used by some to describe how those living in poverty learn to work the welfare system to their benefit and pass this information on to their children, who remain poor

earned income tax credit (EITC)

A tax credit for people who work but have low wages; it reduces the amount of taxes they owe or provides a tax refund.

Food stamp program

A plan administered by the Department of Agriculture that provides low-income households with coupons that they can use to purchase food. Also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Gini coefficient

A graphical way to demonstrate a nation’s income equality/inequality by charting the percentage of income made by quintiles of families.

means-tested programs

Social programs in which recipients must meet an income test in order to qualify for benefits

minimum wage

The lowest wage, typically by the hour, that employers may legally pay to employees or workers; the states may set a level for this wage that is higher than the federal minimum.

poverty

Defined by the Census Bureau as falling below a specified level of annual income that is adjusted each year to reflect the rising cost of living.

social secuirty

A government entitlement program that provides money for retired workers and their beneficiaries and disabled workers.