Evidence based decision making and policy making

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Key Concepts of Evidenced-Based Policy making
Key Concepts of Evidenced-Based decision making
The Importance of Using Data
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Fundamentally, evidence-based policy plays a key role in developing a holistic framework for policy and decision making. Basically, its approach is rigorous and empirical because it involves experimentation, proper data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis.

As a result, the outcome becomes reliable. The report presents the key concepts of evidence-based decision making and policy making. It also explores the advantages of using data in both cases.

Key Concepts of Evidenced-Based Policy making

One of the key concepts used here is prioritization of the issues (Pawson, 2006). Since the policy affects many people, the issues to be included in the policy document have to be systematically discussed depending on their level of importance. This makes the formulated policy serve the interest of majority, thus remains uncontroversial (Webber, 2011).

According to Terry Dunworth and others (2008), data gathering is another key concept in formulating a policy. From the collected data, the policy makers can formulate objective guiding principles, which are replicable (Dunworth et al., 2008).

Neutrality is another concept of applicable in evidence-based policy making (Dunworth et al., 2008). For instance, the policy makers would turn research findings to conventional wisdom that helps in shaping the policy.

Furthermore, they would take neutral ground during policy making to understand and admit the unfairness that could have characterized data gathering (Webber, 2011). Neutrality also helps them overcome any biasness when selecting and analyzing the data (Pawson, 2006).

The concept of ideology is widely used in policy making since the process is largely political, thus there are losers and gainers (Dunworth et al., 2008). The interplay between those who support a particular political ideology, and the ones against, come out prominently during policy formulation.

However, even if the ideology is politically acceptable, it does not translate to being viable, affordable or effective (Dunworth et al., 2008). Therefore, policy makers should concentrate on viability, affordability and effectiveness.

Key Concepts of Evidenced-Based decision making

The use of appropriate methodology is another key concept in decision making (Dunworth et al., 2008). When approaching a particular problem, or analyzing the collected data for making decision, it is vital to use an appropriate method.

This is fundamental because the methodology is an agreeable form of reaching a compromise (Pawson, 2006). Therefore, decisions arrived at through consensus are more appropriate to the people.

In evidence-based decision making, affirmative action is an important concept (Webber, 2011). Essentially, the decision makers would use affirmative action to realize economic, social and institutional capability of solving the problems and making dependable decisions.

Through affirmative action, goals proliferate, promises inflated, and responsibility diffused (Dunworth et al., 2008). Therefore, the decision made using affirmative action would serve the majority.

Objectivity is another concept of evidence-based decision making (Dunworth et al., 2008). Through objective measurement and data collection, the decision makers would consider the impacts, effectiveness, cost, and unprecedented effects. This enables decision makers make informed and reliable choices, which appeal to the affected people (Pawson, 2006).

Notably, some decisions are costly, forcing the concerned parties to review the data and negotiate on better compromise so that the decision does not affect the vulnerable people. Therefore, such decisions have to be based on evidence, social and ethical considerations (Webber, 2011).

The Importance of Using Data

In both cases, using data is important because it makes the decision objective, appropriate and reliable (Dunworth et al., 2008). Indeed, the data provide adequate information for making proper statistical inferences about the policy issue or decision to be made.

The data also add value and evidence that the decision is made through analytical process and informed consent (Pawson, 2006). In fact, such decisions are largely empirical and non-controversial, thus acceptable to the public. Often, the policy makers and other decision makers do whatever would ensure public confidence so that they could eliminate unnecessary distrust (Pawson, 2006).

Conclusion

Evidence-based decision making and policy making should be all inclusive and rely on experimentation and empirical data. This would be a sure way of creating confidence among the public who stand affected by the policies and decisions.

References

Dunworth, T., et al., (2008). The Case for Evidence-Based Policy, (Revised Edition). Web.

Pawson, R. (2006). Evidence-Based Policy, (A Realist Perspective). London: Sage Publications.

Webber, M. (2011). Evidence-based Policy and Practice in Mental Health Social Work. Exeter: Learning Matters Publishers.

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