1. Introduction
The use of a knowledge-based approach to policy making (also known as evidence-based policy-making) has been promoted by the British government since the time of the Blair administration (Wilson et al,. 2007). This has been done in an effort to replace ideologically driven policies with rational decision making (Sutcliffe and Court, 2005). Many scholars (see Segone and Prone, 2008; Davies, 1999a, Sanderson, 2002) propose that the use of evidence to influence policy can greatly improve the relevance, efficiency and efficacy of policy. Using examples from the waste and resources and biodiversity policy issues this assignment argues that evidence can potentially strengthen the quality and effectiveness of policy at each stage of the policy cycle. The policy on waste and resources and that on biodiversity have been selected as they both provide good examples of the impact of evidence on policy development (see Blakey et al, 2007, Davies et al, 2010).
The first part of the assignment provides an understanding of the term evidence-based policy-making (EBPM) and explains how it differs from opinion-based policy. The second part assesses the flow of evidence in the policy cycle and outlines how evidence was gathered and used to strengthen the waste and resources and biodiversity policies. The assignment concludes by providing a summary of the key arguments in support of, and reflects on criticisms of evidence-based policy-making.
2. Policy approaches and the policy cycle
2.1 From opinion to evidence
According to the Oxford dictionary evidence is an available body of factual information that indicates that a position is valid and true . Policy can be more difficult to define but for the purposes of this assignment the t...
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...son (2005) evidence helps to build understanding of the ever-changing policy environment. It can assess the effects of policy change so that the most suitable options are chosen and their effects monitored. Evidence has the potential to link strategic direction with intended results and policy objectives. This can help to outline the necessary actions to achieve strategic goals. Evidence also helps influence others so that they contribute towards successful delivery of the policy (Shaxson, 2005).
3. Using evidence to strengthen policy
Thus far this assignment has explained what is meant by evidence-based policy-making and has outlined the importance of evidence and types of evidence needed at each stage of the policy cycle. This next part explains how evidence contributes or could contribute to better policymaking using two well-known environmental policy issues.
In future research, the opinion should be provided in multiple aspects and by more powerful evidences.
Evidence can come in a variety of forms. It can come from data, information, our own observations and vital signs, as well as patient/family member concerns. In order to be considered evidence however, the information must meet several criteria. It must be objective in that it does not house our personal opinions, it must be relevant towards the situation at hand, and timely in that the information is not out of date. It must also be transparent in that everyone has access to view the information as well
Davies, K. S. (2011). Formulating the evidence based practice question: A review of the frameworks. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 6(2), 75–80. Retrieved from https://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/EBLIP/article/viewFile/9741/8144
This policy analysis will discuss the following topics: the problem, Policy development, Policy Effectiveness, Conclusion Alternatives, Cost & Benefits, and Recommendations.
What is meant by evidence-based practice and how is this different from an historical standpoint.
Sackett, D.L., Rosenberg, W.M.C., Muir Gray, J.A., Haynes, R.B., & Richardson, W.S. (1996). Evidence-based medicine: what it is and what it isn't.(Editorial).British Medical Journal. 313 : 71.
Evidence - Based Nursing, An introduction (2008, p.1) “ At is core evidence based ‘anything’ is concerned with using valid and relevant information in decision making” “high quality research is the most important source of valid information”.
The perhaps surprising answer is that in the U.S. policy process, climate change is not now a scientific issue. Although much of the controversy appears to revolve around scientific principles, political and economic forces actually dominate. In a sense, this is not surprising: in dealing with possible climate change, policymakers, stakeholders, and the public have to confront competing economic interests, significant political change, and such difficult issues as intergenerational equity, international competition, national sovereignty, and the role (and competence) of international institutions. What are the primary factors that determine policy outcomes on this complex subject? Detailing them vividly demonstrates how scientific knowledge interacts with the formulation of policy on a significant issue in the United States.
Evans, B. A., Snooks, H., Howson, H., & Davies, M. (2013). How hard can it be to include research evidence and evaluation in local health policy implementation? Results from a mixed methods study. Implementation Science, 8(1), 1-9.
Raine , R . 1998 . ‘ Evidence-based Policy: Rhetoric and Reality ’ , Journal of Health Service Research Policy , 3 , 4 , 251 – 3 .
Part B: Identify specific information from your sources that can be used as supporting evidence in
Critically review the evidence to assess its validity (is the information established correct, does it ha...
Sinclair, J. and Diduck, A. (1995). Public education: an undervalued component of the environmental assessment public involvement process. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 15, 219-240;
The development of environmental regimes involves a five-fold process. The first process is the agenda setting and issue definition stage, which identifies and brings attention to an issue to the international community. Secon...
Wilcock, D. A. (2013). From blank spcaes to flows of life: transforming community engagment in environmental decision-making and its implcations for localsim. Policy Studies 34:4, 455-473.