Research Methods for Policy Influence
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Policy Advocacy and Campaigning course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Academia #
Industry Collaboration refers to the partnership between academic institutions and industry partners to advance research and development, often in the context of policy influence. This collaboration can facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications, ultimately informing policy decisions. Related terms include knowledge transfer, technology transfer, and research commercialization. Academia-Industry Collaboration can take various forms, such as joint research projects, internships, and exchange programs, to promote mutual understanding and benefit.
Action Research is a research methodology that involves active participation of… #
This approach emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and capacity building, aiming to generate practical solutions and inform policy decisions. Action Research typically involves a cyclical process of planning, action, observation, and reflection, allowing for continuous learning and improvement. Related terms include participatory research, collaborative research, and community-based research.
Advocacy refers to the act of supporting or promoting a particular cause … #
Advocacy can be conducted by individuals, organizations, or coalitions, using various strategies and tactics to influence decision-makers and shape policy outcomes. Related terms include activism, campaigning, and social movement.
Agenda Setting refers to the process of defining and prioritizing issues … #
This concept is crucial in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions, as it determines which issues are considered relevant and worthy of attention. Related terms include framing, priming, and issue definition.
Applied Research focuses on solving practical problems or addressing spec… #
This type of research is typically conducted in real-world settings and involves collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the relevance and impact of the research findings. Related terms include evaluation research, action research, and policy-relevant research.
Behavioral Science refers to the study of human behavior and decision<… #
This field draws on insights from psychology, sociology, and economics to understand how individuals and groups make choices and respond to incentives. Related terms include nudge theory, behavioral economics, and social norms theory.
Campaigning refers to a series of coordinated actions or activities</i… #
Campaigning can involve various tactics and strategies, such as advocacy, mobilization, and media outreach, to influence public opinion and shape policy outcomes. Related terms include advocacy, activism, and social movement.
Capacity Building refers to the process of developing and strengthening the s… #
In the context of policy influence, capacity building can help stakeholders to more effectively participate in policy processes and advocate for their interests. Related terms include empowerment, training, and technical assistance.
Causal Inference refers to the process of drawing conclusions about the cause… #
In the context of policy evaluation, causal inference is crucial for determining the impact of interventions or policies on specific outcomes. Related terms include correlation, regression analysis, and quasi-experimentation.
Civil Society refers to the sphere of organizations and individuals</i… #
Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in policy advocacy and campaigning, as they can mobilize public opinion and influence decision-makers. Related terms include non-governmental organizations, community groups, and social movements.
Coalition Building refers to the process of forming and maintaining alliances… #
In the context of policy influence, coalition building can help to amplify the voice and influence of individual organizations or communities. Related terms include networking, collaboration, and partnership development.
Communication Strategy refers to a plan or approach for conveying info… #
A effective communication strategy can help to build support and mobilize public opinion, as well as to counter opposition or criticism. Related terms include messaging, framing, and media outreach.
Community Engagement refers to the process of building and maintaining relati… #
Community engagement can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that stakeholders are empowered to participate in decision-making. Related terms include participation, inclusion, and empowerment.
Data Analysis refers to the process of examining and interpreting data… #
Data analysis can involve various techniques and tools, such as statistical modeling, data visualization, and machine learning. Related terms include data science, research methods, and evaluation research.
Data Visualization refers to the process of presenting data in a visua… #
Data visualization can help to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner, making it easier to inform policy decisions or evaluate programs. Related terms include information design, communication strategy, and storytelling.
Deliberative Democracy refers to a process or approach to decis… #
Deliberative democracy can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that stakeholders are empowered to participate in decision-making. Related terms include participatory governance, inclusive decision-making, and citizen engagement.
Empowerment refers to the process of enabling or equipping individuals, o… #
In the context of policy influence, empowerment can help stakeholders to more effectively participate in policy processes and advocate for their interests. Related terms include capacity building, training, and technical assistance.
Evaluation Research refers to the process of assessing or evaluating the… #
Evaluation research can involve various methods and techniques, such as experimentation, quasi-experimentation, and surveys. Related terms include impact assessment, outcome evaluation, and program evaluation.
Evidence #
Based Policy refers to the use of research evidence or data to inform policy decisions or interventions, often with the goal of improving outcomes or effectiveness. Evidence-based policy can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that interventions are effective and efficient. Related terms include data-driven decision-making, research-informed policy, and evidence-based practice.
Experimental Design refers to a research methodology that involves the us… #
Experimental design can help to establish cause-and-effect relationships and inform policy decisions. Related terms include randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimentation, and evaluation research.
Framing refers to the process of presenting or framing information … #
Framing can involve the use of language, imagery, or narratives to create a specific interpretation or meaning. Related terms include agenda setting, priming, and message framing.
Inclusive Decision #
Making refers to a process or approach to decision-making that emphasizes the participation and inclusion of diverse stakeholders or communities, often with the goal of promoting equity and social justice. Inclusive decision-making can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that stakeholders are empowered to participate in decision-making. Related terms include deliberative democracy, participatory governance, and citizen engagement.
Influencing Policy refers to the process of shaping or influencing pol… #
Influencing policy can involve various strategies and tactics, such as building coalitions, mobilizing public opinion, or engaging with decision-makers. Related terms include policy change, advocacy, and social movement.
Interdisciplinary Research refers to a research approach that combines or… #
Interdisciplinary research can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of issues and inform policy decisions. Related terms include multidisciplinary research, transdisciplinary research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Issue Definition refers to the process of identifying and defining a spec… #
Issue definition can involve the use of framing, priming, and agenda setting to create a specific interpretation or meaning. Related terms include problem definition, agenda setting, and issue framing.
Knowledge Translation refers to the process of converting research eviden… #
Knowledge translation can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that interventions are effective and efficient. Related terms include research utilization, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based policy.
Lobbying refers to the act of influencing or persuading decisio… #
Lobbying can involve various strategies and tactics, such as building relationships, mobilizing public opinion, or engaging with decision-makers. Related terms include advocacy, campaigning, and influencing policy.
Media Outreach refers to the process of communicating or disseminating <i… #
Media outreach can involve various strategies and tactics, such as press releases, media kits, and social media campaigns. Related terms include communication strategy, public relations, and media relations.
Monitoring and Evaluation refer to the process of tracking and assessi… #
Monitoring and evaluation can involve various methods and techniques, such as surveys, focus groups, and data analysis. Related terms include performance monitoring, outcome evaluation, and impact assessment.
Network Analysis refers to the process of examining and mapping the re… #
Network analysis can help to identify key players, coalitions, or alliances that can inform policy decisions or interventions. Related terms include social network analysis, influence mapping, and stakeholder analysis.
Participatory Governance refers to a process or approach to gov… #
Participatory governance can help to ensure that policies are responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that stakeholders are empowered to participate in decision-making. Related terms include deliberative democracy, inclusive decision-making, and citizen engagement.
Participatory Research refers to a research approach that involves the ac… #
Participatory research can help to ensure that research is responsive to the needs and concerns of communities, and that findings are relevant and useful. Related terms include action research, community-based research, and participatory action research.
Policy Analysis refers to the process of examining and evaluating poli… #
Policy analysis can involve various methods and techniques, such as cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, and evaluation research. Related terms include policy evaluation, program evaluation, and policy research.
Policy Change refers to the process of modifying or reforming existing <b… #
Policy change can involve various strategies and tactics, such as advocacy, lobbying, or campaigning. Related terms include policy reform, policy innovation, and policy entrepreneurship.
Policy Influence refers to the process of shaping or influencing polic… #
Policy influence can involve various strategies and tactics, such as building coalitions, mobilizing public opinion, or engaging with decision-makers. Related terms include policy change, advocacy, and social movement.
Public Engagement refers to the process of engaging or involving t… #
Public engagement can involve various strategies and tactics, such as town hall meetings, public forums, and social media campaigns. Related terms include citizen engagement, community engagement, and participatory governance.
Qualitative Research refers to a research approach that emphasizes the us… #
Qualitative research can help to provide contextual insights and nuanced understandings of complex problems or issues. Related terms include quantitative research, mixed-methods research, and ethnographic research.
Quasi #
Experimentation refers to a research methodology that involves the use of quasi-experiments or non-randomized controlled trials to test causal relationships between variables, often with the goal of evaluating the impact of interventions or policies. Quasi-experimentation can help to establish cause-and-effect relationships and inform policy decisions. Related terms include randomized controlled trials, experimental design, and evaluation research.
Randomized Controlled Trials refer to a research methodology that involve… #
Randomized controlled trials can help to establish cause-and-effect relationships and inform policy decisions. Related terms include quasi-experimentation, experimental design, and evaluation research.
Research Design refers to the process of planning and designing a rese… #
Research design can involve various methods and techniques, such as surveys, focus groups, and experiments. Related terms include research methodology, study design, and experimental design.
Social Movement refers to a collective effort or campaign to promo… #
Social movements can help to raise awareness and consciousness about specific issues or ca! uses, and to mobilize public opinion and support. Related terms include advocacy, activism, and campaigning.
Stakeholder Analysis refers to the process of identifying and analyzing t… #
Stakeholder analysis can help to identify key players, coalitions, or alliances that can inform policy decisions or interventions. Related terms include network analysis, influence mapping, and power analysis.
Survey Research refers to a research approach that involves the use of <b… #
Survey research can help to provide quantitative insights and generalizable findings about populations or issues. Related terms include qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experimental design.
Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain or sustain a p… #
Sustainability can involve various strategies and tactics, such as building capacity, securing funding, or engaging with stakeholders. Related terms include scalability, replicability, and institutionalization.
Systematic Review refers to a research methodology that involves the use… #
Systematic review can help to provide a comprehensive and objective overview of the existing evidence on a specific topic or issue. Related terms include meta-analysis, literature review, and evidence synthesis.
Theory of Change refers to a framework or model that outlines the… #
Theory of change can help to identify the key drivers of change and the assumptions underlying a policy or intervention. Related terms include logic model, program theory, and evaluation framework.
Transdisciplinary Research refers to a research approach that combines or… #
Transdisciplinary research can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of issues and inform policy decisions. Related terms include interdisciplinary research, multidisciplinary research, and collaborative research.
Utilization #
Focused Evaluation refers to an evaluation approach that emphasizes the use of evaluation findings to inform decision-making or improve practice, often with the goal of promoting use and impact. Utilization-focused evaluation can help to ensure that evaluation findings are relevant, useful, and usable for stakeholders and decision-makers. Related terms include evaluation research, utilization-focused research, and knowledge translation.