Guide for Writing Effective Policy Briefs: Reach and Influence Policymakers, Lecture notes of Economics

Download Guide for Writing Effective Policy Briefs: Reach and Influence Policymakers and more Lecture notes Economics in PDF only on Docsity!

POLICY BRIEF TOOLKIT

A guide for researchers on writing policy briefs

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Know your Audience --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Writing Preparation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Structure of Policy Briefs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Introduction -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Background --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Methods -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Results --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Conclusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Writing Style Tips ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Example Policy Briefs------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Additional Resources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Writing Preparation

It is helpful to outline the key objective and arguments before writing. The below guide can be used for the preparation process.^4

Define the

Problem

• What is the issue or problem?
• Why is it important?
• Who is impacted and who cares?
• Be specific to the audience of your brief and clearly frame the issue for them.

State the

Policy

• Identify specific policy action(s) that will address the problem
• If possible, try to pick one policy action and go into depth in the policy brief

Make your

Case

• Identify key findings that will explain the issue and capture the attention of readers
• Find or create relevant figures, tables, etc.

Discuss the

Impact

• Review implications of policy action and inaction
• Determine pros and cons of the policy
• Consider uninteded consequences
• Address opposing arguments

Structure of Policy Briefs

Below is the general outline of sections that are included in a policy brief. More details and examples of each section are included in the next pages of toolkit. Introduction or Purpose Key Findings Background Methods Results Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

Background

Add context and/or history that is needed in order to understand the issue that is detailed in the remaining policy brief.

Methods

Briefly describe the methods and data sources that are used for the analysis. Typically, complex data analysis methods should not be used in policy briefs as the audience will likely not be familiar with those techniques. If your journal article uses complex methodology such as multivariate regression, use the most significant variables to create 2-dimensional charts or graphs.

Results

Strategically utilize visuals such as graphs, charts, and maps to display research findings. Whenever possible, include results and implications for local areas (states, counties, congressional districts, etc.) that are relevant for the audience.

Writing Style Tips

Use well-written titles

that reflect key takeaways

and entice readers to

continue.

Do not write as though

the policy brief is the

same as a mini journal

article.

Use lay language. Do not

use jargon or scientific

terms.

Avoid superfluous

pictures.

Explore using sidebars,

text boxes, bullet points,

numbered lists to

improve readability.

Write in the third person.

Don't be too heavy-

handed. Opt for words

like "may, might" etc.

Be concise. Briefs for

legislators should be no

more than 2 pages and

others no more than 4

pages.

Consider adding a

personal story to

supplement research

findings and capture the

policymaker's interest.

Include references and

sources for additional

information.

Include contact

information for authors

as well as website for

future publications.

Example Policy Briefs

 Center for Health Economics and Policy https://publichealth.wustl.edu/health-economics/policy-briefs/

 Health Affairs http://www.healthaffairs.org/healthpolicybriefs/

 Kaiser Family Foundation http://kff.org/search/issuebriefs

 Urban Institute https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/health-policy-center/publications

 RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis http://www.public-

health.uiowa.edu/rupri/publications/policybriefs.html

Additional Resources

 Center for Health Economics and Policy is available to help researchers develop their policy briefs.

 Research to Action, “How to Plan, Write and Communicate an Effective Policy Brief: Three Steps to Success.”

https://www.researchtoaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/PBWeekLauraFCfinal.pdf

 Rural Health Research Gateway, “Dissemination of Rural Health Research: A Toolkit.”

https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/toolkit