Policy analysis searches for _____.
a. infeasible courses of action
b. the generation of information and collection of evidence of the benefits
c. the consequences that would follow the implementation of various courses of action
d. fluidity and does not always “start at the beginning and conclude at the end.”
c. the consequences that would follow the implementation of various courses of action
c. the consequences that would follow the implementation of various courses of action
c. the consequences that would follow the implementation of various courses of action.
To conduct a policy analysis, one typically focuses on examining the potential outcomes and impacts of different policy options. This involves assessing the positive and negative consequences that would result from the implementation of each course of action. The goal is to determine which policy option would be the most effective, efficient, and beneficial in achieving the desired objectives.
To accomplish this, policy analysts often employ various research methods such as data analysis, modeling, cost-benefit analysis, case studies, and stakeholder consultations. They gather relevant information about the current situation, identify the potential policy alternatives, and evaluate the foreseeable effects of each alternative. This analysis helps decision-makers make informed choices by understanding the potential trade-offs, unintended consequences, and overall implications of different policy options.
Therefore, the correct answer is option c. Policy analysis searches for the consequences that would follow the implementation of various courses of action. It aims to provide evidence-based insights into the effects of different policies and inform decision-making processes.