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I am asking individuals to narrow their focus and then begin…
I am asking individuals to narrow their focus and then begin expanding on the brief problem statement using the CDC article from earlier in the semester, in the class of V23SU Soc Just & Pub Policy (SWK-2070-VO01) I have copied the relevant highlights for you here. Ultimately, your problem statement or title (Implementing Community Solar Initiatives in Low-Income Neighborhoods) will be about a paragraph in length and will cover (according to the CDC reading) “who is affected,” “how big is the problem,” “what contributes to the problem,” and “when and where the problem is most likely to occur.” PLEASE see the instructions for the annotated bibliography and an example I
Your problem statement includes:
Who is affected?
How big the problem is?
What contributes to the problem?
When and where the problem is most likely to occur
You framed the problem in a way that helps illuminate possible policy solutions.
These are materials from the CDC reading that might be helpful. I pulled them together for you for ease.
What is Problem Identification?
Problem Identification consists of:
Clearly identifying the root cause of a problem
Developing a detailed problem statement that includes the problem’s effect on a population’s health/wellbeing.
Why is Problem Identification Important?
You need to make sure you are identifying the true, underlying problem causing the public issueand this is not always obvious.
Who Should You Involve in Problem Identification?
Many stakeholders are involved in the policy process. Stakeholders are people or groups closely affected by or concerned with the problem and are interested in policy solutions for it. Talking to stakeholders about the problem will help you with:
Identifying the true, underlying problem
Framing the problem accurately
Problems are unique to their contexts, so you will probably have to talk with several different stakeholders to get the full picture.
Stakeholders on your policy journey can include:
Those who are affected by the policy (directly or indirectly)
Those directly involved with or responsible for the policy.
People whose jobs or lives might be affected by the policy or any part of the policy process.
Community members and leaders
Neighborhood associations and networks
Those with strong influence in the community (e.g., media, clergy, doctors, CEOs)
State and local health departments
Interest groups (e.g., business, activists, academics)
Funders and other resource providers
Schools and educational groups
Funders and other resource providers
Evaluators
Legislators, government officials, and other policymakers
How Do You Identify the Problem?
1. Identify the root cause of the problem by collecting information and then talking with stakeholders.
Combining existing research and information from your stakeholders can offer some insight into the problem and its causes. Consider data sources that could help you more clearly define the problem. Start by doing an environmental scan, a literature review, and if necessary, surveys in the community.
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Be specific! – For example, search for “lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables” instead of “obesity.” Doing this can help you better understand what is contributing to the issue and identify possible policy solutions.
2. Develop your problem statement.
Describe how the problem occurs, how serious it is, and its outcomes and impacts. Doing this can also help you identify any gaps in the data you have gathered. The problem statement you develop might include:
Literature Review:
an examination of the current body of research about your policy problem that can include possible policy options. This kind of review may help you identify what is known about the policy options as well as gaps in the current research.
please include apa citation
