Public Policy Analysis

Lecture 10

Previous Lecture

• Quantitative methods for use in public policy analysis

• Regression analysis, Time-series analysis, Event History Analysis, Factor Analysis and Path Analysis.

• Introduction to simple Demand and Supply basics.

Qualitative methods of research

• While quantitative methods veered towards testing complexity, qualitative methods are comparatively easier to implement. They revolve around ‘theory construction’. They are now also known as ‘interpretive’ methods.

• First hand interviews, observations at a certain time, field research surveys, on the spot surveys, etc. these are some of the qualitative methods.

• The research principles are based on philosophical grounds, and an ever growing effort at making the research methods plus data more transparent.

• The term came into formal use in the 1960’s when there arose a need to distinguish between the new, advanced statistical methods developed for performing complex operations on data. The qualitative research emerged as a field that primarily dealt with data gathering in one of the three ways: Observing, Interviewing and readings on topic related material.

• There is this gradual movement towards more computer aided methods rather than simple ones in order to gain the kind of legitimacy that quantitative methods have. For example, all the data gathered is now analyzed through advanced computer aided designs and programs.

• Instead of being grounded in statistical lingo, the research reports of interpretative methodology read more like novels. Most of the research papers (or research) that we will go through in this course is of qualitative or interpretive variety.

• Some major qualitative methods of interpreting data are as follows:

a) Observing: Though it sounds simple, but in reality it may not be. This method is closely grounded in the participant-observer and ethnographic research. ‘Ethnographic’ implies a concentration upon the actors being studied and their intended motivation/actions. What the researcher tries to understand by observation and its interpretation the unwritten rules and methods employed in day to day going about of his/her business.

• The book gives an example of a researcher who spent time with a family in Mexico. She made the observation that a lot more people occupy the physical space in a certain house than in US where it was prohibited by law to allow so many people to share one room or one house. She observed that it is, then, discriminatory to ask the Mexican immigrants to follow the law in the US since it causes them both in material terms and otherwise.

• Some researchers even take an ‘undercover’ role. But of course this raises many ethical questions.

• Interviewing: The interviewer directs the trajectory of the conversation, and interested in making sense of the experience of the person interviewed.

• Can itself be enough to be taken as an evidence in certain situations.

• The interviewer can take initiatives besides the typical interview (in terms of observation or interviewing more related people) to back up his position.

• Research through document reading: Needs a careful selection of documents that can be from any where and anytime related to a specific topic. We will read quiet a few of them in this course. But one has to be careful because arriving at a certain conclusion requires meticulous study and attention to minute details. Only then can a researcher arrive at a certain conclusion, which can later be used or tested through quantitative studies too.

• Example: Gregory Clark’s research on economic development in Britain over the centuries through parish records and his interpretation.

• Once the researcher has data in hand, there are quiet a few methods for analyzing that data. The following few are used most frequently in policy research questions.

• Frame or Value-critical analysis: Critically analyze the data from the perspective of all the sides in terms of arriving at mutually understandable position.

• Story telling Analysis: Involves interaction with frontline workers on public policies and their narration of events. Its their side of the story, and their interactions with other actors during that time that is of interest to the investigator.

• Narrative Analysis: Very similar to story analysis but for the difference that the storyline is not general but for the concentration on developing a specific narrative.

• Dramaturgical Analysis: This approach takes its cue from a literary tradition whereby plays, specifically their characters and their actions, are analyzed in detail in order to interpret any motive or design that may not be so visible through ordinary surveys.

• The above were some of the main categories and sub-categories of qualitative research. One thing is clear: its not as easy as people think. Making well informed interpretations is no child’s game, and then making it in perspective of policy making and analysis is demanding.

Separation of methods by nature• Since qualitative methodologies primarily rest on the basis that the reality

around is a product of social constructs, it tries to uncover that reality through changes in social practices. The following general methodological techniques and sampling methods are used.

• Ethnography: Refers to an in-depth study of individuals or a group in their own cultural context. It implies the researcher becoming a part of the culture in order to observe and investigate. There are certain pre-requisites/rules like gaining an entry to avoiding forming pre-formed conceptions.

• Action Research: Mainly geared towards a critical analysis of a problem, and coming up with solutions or strategies at addressing the issue. For example, policy advice in the education sector reforms owes to a critical observation of current practices.

• Case Study: More along the academic studies that are conducted with multiple sources of data in order to arrive at a certain conclusion about the opinions formed before.

• Grounded Research: This theory works on the principle of constructing a theory through observation, gathered data and forming a conclusion in a systematic way. Later on, the conclusion is open to modification in light of the changed circumstances or new evidence. This type of research involves various qualitative methods like simple observation, individual and group interviews, research through published material, etc.