Social Policy Making: A Comprehensive Guide for Further Education Sociology Students

Question 1

What is the best definition of social policy as an academic field of study?

Accepted Answer

An interdisciplinary field that studies how policies are created, implemented, and evaluated to address social issues

Answer

A set of rules that guide government decisions in all areas, including social welfare

Answer

A collection of laws that regulate social behavior and interactions

Answer

A process of resolving social conflicts through negotiation and compromise

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a key stage in the social policy making process?

Accepted Answer

Policy amendment

Answer

Agenda setting

Answer

Policy formulation

Answer

Policy evaluation

Question 3

The process by which an issue gains public attention and is placed on the policy agenda is known as:

Accepted Answer

Agenda setting

Answer

Policy monitoring

Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy implementation

Question 4

The process of putting a policy into action is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy implementation

Answer

Policy formulation

Answer

Policy review

Answer

Policy evaluation

Question 5

The use of evidence to inform policy making is known as:

Accepted Answer

Evidence-based policy making

Answer

Social research

Answer

Policy analysis

Answer

Policy evaluation

Question 6

The concept of framing refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way in which a policy issue is presented and defined

Answer

The role of media in policy making

Answer

The impact of public opinion on policy

Question 7

The process of identifying social problems and placing them on the public agenda is known as:

Accepted Answer

Agenda setting

Answer

Policy formulation

Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy implementation

Question 8

The process of carrying out policies and putting them into practice is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy implementation

Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy formulation

Question 9

The theory that suggests policies can influence the problems they are designed to address is known as:

Accepted Answer

The policy feedback theory

Answer

The rational model of policy making

Answer

The incremental model of policy making

Question 10

The 'incremental' model of policy making assumes that:

Accepted Answer

Policy changes occur gradually and in small steps.

Answer

Policy changes are always for the better.

Answer

Policy makers have all the necessary information to make optimal decisions.

Answer

Policy making is solely a rational process.

Question 11

The 'advocacy coalition framework' is a theory of policy making that emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The influence of interest groups and shared belief systems.

Answer

The significance of political institutions in the policy-making process.

Answer

The importance of rational decision-making.

Answer

The role of public opinion in shaping policy.

Question 12

The concept of 'path dependency' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The idea that policy decisions are heavily influenced by past decisions and create a trajectory that is difficult to alter.

Answer

The role of special interest groups in advocating for policies that benefit their members.

Answer

The process of evaluating the effectiveness of social policies after implementation.

Question 13

Which of the following is a criticism of the rational model of policy making?

Accepted Answer

It assumes that policy makers have perfect information and make decisions based solely on rational calculations.

Answer

It emphasizes the influence of political ideology and values on policy making.

Answer

It focuses too heavily on the implementation and evaluation of policies.

Question 14

The concept of 'embedded autonomy' in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The idea that the state has some degree of autonomy from society, but is also embedded within it and influenced by societal forces.

Answer

The role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy outcomes.

Answer

The process of delegating policy making authority to non-state actors, such as private organizations or local governments.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key role of think tanks in social policy making?

Accepted Answer

Providing research, analysis, and policy recommendations to inform decision-makers.

Answer

Lobbying policy makers on behalf of specific interest groups or causes.

Answer

Implementing and evaluating social policies at the local or national level.

Question 16

The process of evaluating the effectiveness of social policies is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy analysis

Answer

Policy implementation

Answer

Policy formulation

Question 17

Which of the following is a criticism of the incremental model of policy change?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to slow and gradual policy changes that may not adequately address urgent social issues.

Answer

It emphasizes the role of political ideology and values in policy making.

Answer

It does not account for the influence of interest groups and other external factors.

Answer

It is too focused on the implementation and evaluation of policies.

Question 18

The concept of 'framing' in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The way in which problems and solutions are presented to the public and policymakers, shaping their perception and response.

Answer

The process of developing new policy ideas and proposals.

Answer

The role of the media in disseminating information and shaping public opinion on policy issues.

Question 19

The concept of 'policy windows' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Periods of time when there is an increased opportunity for policy change due to a convergence of factors such as public attention, political will, and problem awareness.

Answer

The role of the media in monitoring policy implementation and holding decision-makers accountable.

Answer

The process of implementing and evaluating social policies.

Question 20

The concept of 'policy windows' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Policy change is more likely to occur when there is a convergence of favorable conditions, including public support, political consensus, and a sense of urgency.

Answer

Social policy is primarily driven by economic considerations and market forces.

Answer

Policymakers are always rational actors who make decisions based solely on objective evidence.

Question 21

Which theoretical perspective emphasizes the role of power and inequality in shaping social policy?

Accepted Answer

Conflict Theory

Answer

Functionalism

Answer

Symbolic Interactionism

Answer

Rational Choice Theory

Question 22

The 'evidence-based policy' movement emphasizes the use of what to inform policy decisions?

Accepted Answer

Rigorous research findings

Answer

Expert opinions only

Answer

Public opinion polls alone

Answer

Economic efficiency calculations

Question 23

Which of the following is a commonly used method to evaluate the effectiveness of social policies?

Accepted Answer

Impact assessment

Answer

Public opinion polls

Answer

Expert consensus

Answer

Political feasibility analysis

Question 24

What is the best description of the 'welfare state'?

Accepted Answer

A system of government-provided social protection and welfare services.

Answer

A network of private charities and voluntary organizations.

Answer

A market-driven approach to addressing social problems.

Question 25

In the context of the welfare state, 'de-commodification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which citizens are shielded from market forces and provided essential resources regardless of their income.

Answer

The privatization of welfare services.

Question 26

A policy that aims to reduce poverty by providing job training and employment support is most likely an example of:

Accepted Answer

Social inclusion policy

Answer

Social regulation policy

Answer

Social control policy

Answer

Social exclusion policy

Question 27

The 'New Right' perspective on social policy typically emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Individual responsibility, limited government intervention, and market-based solutions.

Answer

Collective responsibility, social justice, and universal provision.

Answer

Social rights, equality, and social solidarity.

Question 28

Analyzing the impact of a policy on different social groups is crucial for ensuring:

Accepted Answer

Policy equity and fairness.

Answer

Policy efficiency.

Answer

Minimizing policy costs.

Answer

Political consensus.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a key stage in the policy making process?

Accepted Answer

Policy Implementation

Answer

Policy Evaluation

Answer

Policy Formulation

Answer

Agenda Setting

Question 30

The idea that social policy is shaped by the interests and power of different groups is known as:

Accepted Answer

Pluralism

Answer

Corporatism

Answer

Elitism

Answer

Neo-liberalism

Question 31

Which of the following is an example of a 'pull' factor in agenda setting?

Accepted Answer

Public pressure from a social movement

Answer

A government's desire to maintain control

Answer

A political party's electoral strategy

Answer

A civil servant's personal beliefs

Question 32

The process of translating policy into action is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy Implementation

Answer

Policy Evaluation

Answer

Policy Analysis

Answer

Policy Formulation

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a common method of policy evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Policy Analysis

Answer

Cost-benefit Analysis

Answer

Randomized Controlled Trials

Answer

Qualitative Research

Question 34

The 'New Right' perspective on social policy emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Individual responsibility and market solutions

Answer

Universal welfare provision and social equality

Answer

State intervention and social justice

Answer

Collective action and social solidarity

Question 35

A policy that aims to reduce poverty by providing financial assistance to low-income families is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Redistributive policy

Answer

Regulatory policy

Answer

Protective policy

Answer

Enabling policy

Question 36

Which of the following is a potential barrier to effective policy implementation?

Accepted Answer

Lack of resources and funding

Answer

Strong public support for the policy

Answer

Clear and concise policy goals

Answer

Effective communication and collaboration

Question 37

The 'wicked problem' concept in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Complex social problems with no easy solutions

Answer

Problems that are best tackled by market forces

Answer

Problems that are primarily caused by individual factors

Answer

Problems that can be easily addressed through policy interventions

Question 38

In the UK, which government department is primarily responsible for social policy?

Accepted Answer

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Answer

Department for Education (DfE)

Answer

Home Office

Answer

Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC)

Question 39

Which of the following is a key stage in the social policy-making process?

Accepted Answer

Agenda setting

Answer

Policy evaluation

Answer

Policy implementation

Answer

Policy analysis

Question 40

What is the role of stakeholders in the social policy-making process?

Accepted Answer

To provide input and feedback on policy proposals.

Answer

To implement and enforce social policies.

Answer

None of the above

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of social policies.

Question 41

What is the primary goal of social policy?

Accepted Answer

To improve the well-being of society

Answer

To increase economic growth

Answer

To reduce crime

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of a universal social policy?

Accepted Answer

Free healthcare

Answer

Tax breaks for the wealthy

Answer

Unemployment benefits

Answer

Housing subsidies

Question 43

What is the difference between a social problem and a social issue?

Accepted Answer

A social problem is a condition that is perceived to be harmful or undesirable, while a social issue is a topic that is being debated or discussed in society.

Answer

Social problems are always caused by individual behavior, while social issues are caused by societal factors.

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a key stage in the social policy making process?

Accepted Answer

Policy Implementation

Answer

Agenda Setting

Answer

Policy Formulation

Answer

Policy Evaluation

Question 45

The idea that social policy should address the root causes of social problems rather than just their symptoms is known as:

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Conservatism

Answer

Individualism

Question 46

Which of the following is a key factor influencing the agenda setting process in social policy?

Accepted Answer

Public Opinion

Answer

Economic Growth

Answer

Technological Advancement

Answer

Government Efficiency

Question 47

The process of translating policy objectives into concrete actions is known as:

Accepted Answer

Policy Implementation

Answer

Policy Evaluation

Answer

Policy Formulation

Answer

Policy Analysis

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a common method for evaluating social policy?

Accepted Answer

Market Research

Answer

Qualitative Research

Answer

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Answer

Randomized Controlled Trials

Question 49

The 'think tank' approach to policy making is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Expertise and research-driven policy proposals

Answer

Emphasis on public consultation

Answer

Decentralized decision-making

Question 50

Which of the following is a key challenge in the implementation of social policy?

Accepted Answer

Bureaucratic inefficiency

Answer

Technological advancements

Answer

Lack of public support

Answer

Economic growth

Question 51

The concept of 'policy feedback' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The influence of existing policy on subsequent policy decisions

Answer

The impact of policy on public opinion

Answer

The role of government in shaping policy

Question 52

Which of the following is a key principle of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Social solidarity

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Technological advancement

Answer

Individual responsibility

Question 53

The 'New Right' perspective on social policy is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on individual responsibility and market solutions

Answer

Support for universal welfare provision

Answer

Focus on social justice