Question

What is the first step in policy analysis for defining the problem?

1) Identifying the stakeholders
2) Gathering data
3) Analyzing the data
4) Defining the scope of the problem

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1. The first step in policy analysis is identifying stakeholders involved in the issue, followed by gathering relevant data, which sets the foundation for further analysis including defining the scope of the problem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step in policy analysis for defining the problem often involves identifying the stakeholders and understanding their perspectives, concerns, and interests in the issue. This is crucial because stakeholders have the potential to influence the policy outcomes and their support can be pivotal. Following the identification of stakeholders, the next step is typically gathering data on the policy issue which includes collecting information from various sources such as reports, expert opinions, and stakeholders themselves.

This stage also encompasses doing a root cause analysis to pinpoint the actual problem. Analyzing the data comes afterwards, where the information gathered is examined to understand the scope and impact of the problem, which leads to defining the scope of the problem. It's essential to identify exactly what needs to be determined, which involves clarifying the unknowns and making a list to guide further analysis.