1.
An alcoholism recovery group aims to reduce the public problems associated with substance abuse. This could be an example of a:
Correct Answer
A. Voluntary policy instrument
Explanation
This is an example of a voluntary policy instrument because the alcoholism recovery group is not mandated by law or regulation. It is a voluntary organization that individuals can choose to participate in to address their substance abuse issues.
2.
A variable has reliability if it is:
Correct Answer
B. Consistent, regardless of the circumstances
Explanation
The given correct answer is "consistent, regardless of the circumstances". This means that a variable has reliability if it consistently produces the same results or measurements, regardless of the conditions or situations in which it is being measured. In other words, the variable is stable and dependable, and its measurements can be trusted to be consistent over time and across different scenarios. This is an important characteristic for any variable in scientific research or data analysis.
3.
With nominal measurement:
Correct Answer
C. We cannot say that Sarah Palin has more leadership abilities than Barack Obama
4.
Open government is said to:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Open government is said to bring greater legitimacy to decisions because it involves transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to have access to information and participate in decision-making processes. It also promotes trust and credibility in the government's actions. Open government can deter the building of social cohesion by fostering inclusivity, participation, and collaboration among diverse groups, reducing potential conflicts and divisions. Additionally, open government can increase political efficacy by empowering citizens to engage in political processes, voice their opinions, and hold government officials accountable, thus enhancing their belief in their ability to influence political outcomes. Therefore, all of the given options are valid explanations for the benefits of open government.
5.
Canada’s gradual lessening of its traditionally deferential political culture most affects:
Correct Answer
C. The nature of policy communities
Explanation
Canada's gradual lessening of its traditionally deferential political culture would most likely affect the nature of policy communities. This means that the way policy communities operate and interact with each other would be impacted by this shift in political culture. It suggests that there may be a move towards a more assertive and independent approach within these communities, potentially leading to changes in how policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
6.
A public policy evaluation:
Correct Answer
C. Is hopefully a continuing process
Explanation
A public policy evaluation is hopefully a continuing process because policies are often complex and have long-term effects. By continually evaluating the policy, policymakers can identify any issues or shortcomings and make necessary adjustments or improvements. This ongoing evaluation allows for a more effective and efficient policy implementation, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to changing circumstances and societal needs.
7.
Policy instruments:
Correct Answer
B. Are the tools that put a public policy into effect
Explanation
Policy instruments refer to the tools that are used to implement or put a public policy into effect. These instruments can include laws, regulations, incentives, taxes, subsidies, and other mechanisms that are designed to achieve the desired outcomes of a particular policy. They are the practical means through which governments or organizations can enforce and enforce policies, ensuring that they are implemented and followed effectively. By utilizing these instruments, policymakers can effectively translate their policy goals into tangible actions and outcomes.
8.
VIA rail is an example of:
Correct Answer
C. A compulsory policy instrument
Explanation
VIA Rail is an example of a compulsory policy instrument because it is a government-owned and operated railway company in Canada. It is mandated by law to provide passenger rail services across the country, making it a mandatory transportation option for Canadians.
9.
“Rank from 1 to 5 what you feel is the quality of health care in Canada, with 1 being excellent and 5 being poor.” This is an example of:
Correct Answer
B. Ordinal measurement
Explanation
This question is an example of ordinal measurement because it asks the respondent to rank the quality of health care in Canada from 1 to 5, with 1 being excellent and 5 being poor. Ordinal measurement involves assigning categories or ranks to a variable in a specific order, without any specific numerical value or equal intervals between categories. In this case, the ranks assigned to the quality of health care represent a specific order but do not have equal intervals or numerical values associated with them.
10.
Reviewing a public policy concerning parole in terms of the cost per offender is an example of:
Correct Answer
D. Cost-effectiveness analysis
Explanation
Reviewing a public policy concerning parole in terms of the cost per offender is an example of cost-effectiveness analysis. This type of analysis evaluates the efficiency of a policy by comparing the costs incurred with the outcomes achieved. In this case, the focus is on determining whether the cost of implementing parole measures is justified by the effectiveness of reducing recidivism rates and reintegrating offenders into society. By examining the cost per offender, policymakers can make informed decisions about allocating resources and optimizing the overall effectiveness of the parole system.
11.
In the public policy process, satisfying one group’s aspirations may mean denying those of another group. This is like saying that:
Correct Answer
D. There can be winners and losers in the public policy process
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that in the public policy process, it is possible for some groups to achieve their objectives while others may not. This implies that there can be winners and losers in the public policy process, as some groups' aspirations may be satisfied while others are denied.
12.
Voluntary policy instruments could sound most like:
Correct Answer
C. Public policy as government, with information, ignoring a public problem
Explanation
Voluntary policy instruments refer to actions taken by the government with the knowledge and understanding of a public problem, but choosing to ignore it. This means that the government has information about the issue but decides not to address it through public policy. Therefore, the answer "public policy as government, with information, ignoring a public problem" aligns with the concept of voluntary policy instruments.
13.
You find in your research that Canadians feel strongly about maintaining the ban on bulk exports of freshwater. A week later, you redo the survey and find the same results. This is an example of:
Correct Answer
C. Test and retest
Explanation
This scenario is an example of test and retest. Test and retest refers to conducting the same survey or experiment multiple times to ensure consistent results. In this case, the researcher conducted the survey once and found that Canadians feel strongly about maintaining the ban on bulk exports of freshwater. When the survey was repeated a week later, the same results were obtained, indicating that the findings are reliable and consistent.
14.
Voluntary policy instruments may be:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Voluntary policy instruments, such as guidelines, incentives, and self-regulation, may be ineffective at addressing complex public problems because they rely on voluntary compliance and lack enforcement mechanisms. They may also be inefficient as they may not achieve desired outcomes in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, these instruments are consistent with the notion of a limited state, as they rely on the participation and cooperation of non-state actors rather than extensive government intervention. Therefore, the correct answer is that voluntary policy instruments may be ineffective, inefficient, and consistent with the notion of a limited state.
15.
“I finished first in the election, you finished second, and your friend finished third in the election.” This is an example of:
Correct Answer
B. Ordinal measurement
Explanation
This statement is an example of ordinal measurement because it ranks the participants in the election based on their finishing positions. It does not provide any specific numerical values or intervals between the positions, but rather establishes a relative order of first, second, and third place.
16.
Apart from public policy goals, the policy instrument, the global context of public policymaking, and so on, ________ also best contributes to our understanding of what the public policy is:
Correct Answer
C. Policy image
Explanation
Policy image refers to the perception or reputation of a particular policy among the public. It helps in understanding how policies are perceived by the public and how they shape public opinion. By studying policy image, researchers can gain insights into the effectiveness, popularity, and impact of a policy. It also helps policymakers in assessing the public's perception and support for their policies, which can inform future decision-making and implementation strategies. Therefore, policy image is an important factor in understanding public policy.
17.
“I received 6,231 votes in the election, you received 4,293 and your friend received 1,821.” This is an example of:
Correct Answer
C. Interval measurement
18.
Many native leaders do not believe that the Canadian state has sovereignty over “their” land. This sounds like an issue of diverging opinions when it comes to:
Correct Answer
A. Problem definition
Explanation
The given statement suggests that the disagreement between native leaders and the Canadian state revolves around the definition of the problem. Native leaders do not believe that the Canadian state has sovereignty over their land, indicating a difference in how the problem is defined. This implies that the issue lies in how both parties perceive and understand the problem at hand, rather than in policy instruments, policy evaluation, or problem recognition.
19.
Mixed policy instruments involve government:
Correct Answer
A. Seeking to induce people to voluntarily do a certain thing
Explanation
Mixed policy instruments involve government seeking to induce people to voluntarily do a certain thing. This means that the government uses a combination of incentives, persuasion, and regulations to encourage individuals to take certain actions without imposing strict mandates or regulations. By offering incentives or providing information, the government aims to influence people's behavior and choices in a desired direction. This approach allows for a level of individual freedom while still achieving the desired policy outcomes.
20.
Canadians are not particularly well informed about health care policy. This has implications for:
Correct Answer
A. Open government
Explanation
The fact that Canadians are not well informed about health care policy has implications for open government. Open government refers to transparency and accountability in government actions and decision-making processes. When citizens are uninformed about health care policy, it hinders their ability to participate in the democratic process and hold the government accountable. It also limits their access to information about how public funds are being allocated and spent on health care. Therefore, the lack of knowledge among Canadians about health care policy undermines the principles of open government.
21.
When it comes to successful policy implementation, clear and consistent communication would best include a mixture of both:
Correct Answer
B. Normative pHilosopHic arguments and engineering research-obtained facts
Explanation
Clear and consistent communication in successful policy implementation would be best achieved by combining normative philosophic arguments and engineering research-obtained facts. Normative philosophic arguments provide a moral and ethical framework for the policy, helping to justify its implementation and gain support from stakeholders. On the other hand, engineering research-obtained facts provide empirical evidence and data-driven insights to support the effectiveness and feasibility of the policy. By combining these two approaches, policymakers can effectively communicate the rationale and evidence behind the policy, increasing its chances of successful implementation.
22.
A problem with both voluntary and mixed policy instruments can be:
Correct Answer
A. Accountability
Explanation
Accountability can be a problem with both voluntary and mixed policy instruments. Voluntary instruments rely on the willingness of individuals or organizations to comply with the policy, which can lead to a lack of accountability if there are no consequences for non-compliance. Similarly, mixed policy instruments, which combine voluntary and regulatory approaches, can also face accountability issues if there is not enough oversight and enforcement of the regulations. In both cases, without proper accountability mechanisms in place, the effectiveness of the policy instruments can be compromised.
23.
In terms of variable measurement, you are studying the eating habits of voters. You consider “turducken,” “tofurkey,” “beer nuts,” and “Big Macs.” You are using:
Correct Answer
A. Nominal measurement
Explanation
In this scenario, the variables "turducken," "tofurkey," "beer nuts," and "Big Macs" represent different categories or groups of eating habits. Nominal measurement is appropriate in this case because it involves categorizing or labeling the variables without any specific order or ranking. The focus is on identifying and classifying the different eating habits of voters rather than measuring them on a scale or in a specific order.
24.
“Poverty is a relative concept.” This sounds like:
Correct Answer
C. The difficulties of problem definition
Explanation
The statement "Poverty is a relative concept" suggests that the definition of poverty can vary depending on the context or perspective. This implies that there may be challenges in defining and understanding what constitutes poverty, which aligns with the difficulties of problem definition.
25.
Support for Stephen Harper’s Senate reform plans is found to be low in a sample you conducted, and support for the Senate itself is low. To understand this, you conduct further research about knowledge of the Senate reform plans and knowledge of the roles and function of the Senate. This is an example of:
Correct Answer
D. Split-half
Explanation
Split-half is the most appropriate answer because the researcher is conducting further research to understand the relationship between knowledge of Senate reform plans and knowledge of the roles and function of the Senate. Split-half refers to a method of measuring reliability in which a test is split into two halves and the scores on each half are compared to determine the consistency of the measurements. In this case, the researcher is likely comparing the knowledge of Senate reform plans with the knowledge of the roles and function of the Senate to assess the consistency of the measurements and gain a better understanding of the low support for both.
26.
Process evaluation:
Correct Answer
D. Considers the work of the policy community
Explanation
Process evaluation considers the work of the policy community. This means that it focuses on assessing how well the policy community, which includes policymakers, experts, and stakeholders, has implemented a particular public policy. It examines their actions, processes, and decisions to determine their effectiveness in achieving the intended policy goals. This evaluation helps in understanding the role and impact of the policy community in shaping and implementing public policies.
27.
Rationalism:
Correct Answer
B. Provides a systematic method of coming to terms with public policy problems
Explanation
Rationalism provides a systematic method of coming to terms with public policy problems. This means that it offers an organized approach to understanding and addressing public policy issues. It suggests that through logical reasoning and analysis, policymakers can develop effective solutions to these problems. Rationalism emphasizes the importance of using reason and evidence to make informed decisions, rather than relying on personal beliefs or emotions. By following a systematic process, policymakers can evaluate different options, consider their potential consequences, and make decisions based on rational considerations. This approach aims to ensure that public policy is developed in a logical and objective manner.
28.
A sample found support for 2010 Olympics spending increased after Canada won a series of medals at the 2008 Olympics. To verify the reliability of this sample, use:
Correct Answer
A. Test-retest
Explanation
Test-retest reliability is the most appropriate method to verify the reliability of the sample in this scenario. It involves administering the same test to the same group of participants at two different time points to assess the consistency of their responses. By conducting the test again after a certain period of time, we can determine if the sample's support for 2010 Olympics spending increased consistently or if it was just a temporary effect. This method helps to evaluate the stability and reliability of the results obtained from the initial sample.
29.
BC Premier Christy Clark is on TV saying parents should teach their children to avoid bullies. This may be an example of what policy instrument?
Correct Answer
A. Voluntary
Explanation
The statement by BC Premier Christy Clark suggesting that parents should teach their children to avoid bullies indicates a voluntary policy instrument. This means that the government is not mandating or enforcing any specific actions, but rather encouraging parents to take responsibility and make their own choices in addressing the issue of bullying.
30.
A country’s large national debt might:
Correct Answer
B. Limit the choice of policy instruments available
Explanation
A country's large national debt might limit the choice of policy instruments available. When a country has a high debt burden, it often needs to allocate a significant portion of its budget towards debt repayment. This limits the amount of funds that can be allocated towards other policy areas, such as infrastructure development, social welfare programs, or investment in education and healthcare. As a result, the government's ability to implement various policy instruments becomes restricted, as it has fewer resources at its disposal.