Public Policy Analytical Methods
  • Type Experience
  • Level Foundational
  • Time Days
  • Cost Paid
Additional Details

Public Policy Analytical Methods

Issued by Science and Technology Policy Academy

Benefit-cost analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and risk analysis are quantitative techniques used to support the assessment of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in the policy analysis process. More than any other analytical technique they are critical in policymaker decision-making -- particularly those related to the environment, health, worker safety, transportation, privacy/security, and energy policy.

  • Type Experience
  • Level Foundational
  • Time Days
  • Cost Paid
Additional Details

Skills

Earning Criteria

  • Students learn the principles of each of the following methods and apply them to a societal problem of their choice.  Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is used to provide information to support the "efficiency" portion of the 4E's of public policy analysis (effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability.) Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a partner to BCA focusing on health policy. Risk analysis is used to assess "equity" -- when a policy helping one group may harm another.