Final —Policy Theories Test Questions & Answers Chapter 5

Chapter 5—Policy Theories

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following statements about Social Constructivism is/are correct:

[1] Social Constructivism is a result of society constructing populations, determining their social needs, and providing public policy solutions.

[2] Social Constructivism is a result of how societal groups construct themselves, determine their group needs, and provide public policy solutions.

[3] Social Constructivism occurs in the environment and results from tension arising from two conflicting principles.

[4] All of the above

[5] None of the above

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Difficult

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Application

1. Which of the following statements about Diffusion is/are incorrect?

[1] Dissemination of tested and proven models is the heart of diffusion

[2] Diffusion models include: leader-laggard, vertical, and internal determinants

[3] Diffusion rarely occurs

[4] Diffusion allows jurisdictions to learn from each other

[5] Diffusion occurs when jurisdictions adopt ideas from jurisdictions that are similar or topic leaders

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Which of the following statements about Innovation is/are correct?

[1] Innovation refers to new ideas or policy approaches to address current public problems.

[2] Innovation refers to the use of proven and tried approaches to address current public problems.

[3] Innovation rarely occurs

[4] CMS test linking care coordination with decreased costs

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Which of the following statements about Multiple Streams problem identification and potential solutions is/are correct?

[1] The problem in Multiple Streams is usually ambiguous

[2] Throughout the initial process the problem is defined and redefined

[3] The potential solutions in Multiple Streams are clear and apolitical

[4] The potential solutions in Multiple Streams are debated within the affected communities and public literature and take on a political tone

[5] Once a policy solution is defined, the debate ceases

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Which of the following statements about Punctuated Equilibrium Theory is/are incorrect?

[1] Individuals and organizations can parallel process

[2] Punctuated Equilibrium Theory is built on Simon’s work on serial processing, parallel processing, and bounded equilibrium

[3] Punctuated Equilibrium Theory posits that most policy activity is static and in equilibrium and punctuated by periodic flurries of activities.

[4] Punctuated Equilibrium Theory graphically demonstrates leptokurtic, positively skewed activity

[5] Punctuated Equilibrium Theory posits incrementalism for most policy development

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect about the Network Approach?

[1] Focuses on how groups gather around specific issues

[2] Focuses on the commonality of the cause, knowledge, and values

[3] Uses the iron triangle as a current model

[4] Results in the development of subgovernments

[5] These groups are self-organizing & self-governing

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Characteristics of Issue Action groups include all of the following EXCEPT:

[1] Geographic description

[2] Policy variables

[3] Dissolution or reorganization of groups after policy issue addressed

[4] Disruptive events; e.g., national elections or crises

[5] Disruptive shocks, e.g., changing ideas, values, & knowledge

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Which of the following statements is/are incorrect about the Advocacy Coalition:

[1] The model for this framework has changed frequently since its inception

[2] Deals with “wicked problems” and important technical disputes

[3] Premise: understanding policy change takes at least a decade

[4] Premise: most useful way to think about policy change is through policy subsystems

[5] Premise: public policies can be conceptualized in the same manner as belief systems

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. The Advocacy Coalition model includes:

[1] Relatively stable parameters

[2] Internal system events

[3] Policy subsystems

[4] Internal (system) events

[5] Constraints and resources of subsystem actors

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

1. Institutional Rational Choice includes the following characteristics:

[1] How groups behave, develop values, and are governed

[2] Action arena

[3] Patterns of interaction

[4] All of the above

[5] None of the above

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Recall

Short Answer & Essay

1. Discuss how innovation and diffusion affect policy

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Analysis

1. Discuss how population groups are defined and positioned within the policy process

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Analysis

1. Discuss how population groups are defined and positioned within the policy process

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Analysis

1. Discuss how leaders can influence and position their influence in the policy process.

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Analysis

1. Discuss how to bring the theoretical models together.

Subject: Chapter 5

Complexity: Moderate

Simplified Functional Taxonomy: Analysis