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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on September 5, 2024.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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EDU 507: Law, Policy, and Ethical Decision-Making: Writing Policy Analysis and Proposal Papers

• Research Tips This link opens in a new window
• Writing Policy Analysis and Proposal Papers

Resources for Analyzing Policies and Writing Recommendations

A major assignment for EDU 507 in the past was a policy analysis proposal.  This assignment synthesized two common tasks for the educational leader: analyzing the policies that affect their institutions or educational contexts, and making recommendations based on that analysis.  While there is no proposal component required this semester, the resources below will still be helpful for preparing the critical law and policy paper, and for understanding how to use a policy analysis to propose changes.

To the right, you will find books about policy analysis in education that you can borrow from Ikeda Library.  The library subscribes to Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis , an academic journal that you might find useful as well.  Below are resources to help you master both the policy analysis and proposal formats.  You will also find a list of eBooks available at Ikeda Library, and links to external resources, on proposal writing in the Comparative and International Education LibGuide .

As you will find, no one source completely reflects your assignment's parameters.  You will need to make decisions about what elements or aspects of  each format best meets your needs as you put together your analysis and recommendations for the consumption of your target audience.  Creating a portrait of your audience--who they are, why they are interested, what evidence will be most persuasive to them, what format would best meet their needs and expectations as readers--before you begin will help you determine how best to create a document that not only breaks down a policy for them in a way they will understand, but also persuades them that your suggestions are definitely the best for this situation. 

• Tips for Writing Policy Papers This resource by the Policy Lab at Stanford Law School incorporates a number of analysis strategies into a comprehensive guide for creating policy papers. The overviews of the PEST and SWOT analysis methods might be particularly useful for finding good starting points to help you think through your analysis.
• How to Do a Policy Analysis Paper This short article by Dr. Shane Hall at Synonym.com also provides a general approach to writing a policy analysis that includes examples of the kinds of information that should usually be considered or included.
• Suggestions for Writing Policy Analyses Philip Doty created this page for a Library Science class on Government Information at the University of Texas at Austin. It focuses on the possible structures that policy analyses can take and has suggestions for what information belongs where.
• What Is a Policy Paper? This page is from A User's Guide to Political Science, part of the Government Department's site at Wesleyan University. While intended for political science majors, this page has many useful resources for all policy analysts and has questions to help you determine your audience's needs.
• Policy Analysis for California Education: Policy Briefs This resource includes briefs, reports, and working papers on policies important to educators in California. The policy briefs are possible sources for the paper, and examples of real world applications of this assignment.
• Writing Effective Proposals This page by the California Department of Education focuses on proposal writing. While it is meant to help those seeking funds more than proposing policy changes, many of the elements required are the same. The section on technical writing has good tips for thinking about your audience and making the paper easier to read.
• Proposal: Elements of a Proposal Argument This page describes how to write a policy proposal for an education setting. The page was written by Charles Nelson for his composition course at Kean University.
• Requesting Action: Tasks for Developing Proposals and Petitions This comes from the Public Policy Writing course website by Catherine Smith from East Carolina University. Writing a policy proposal is discussed at the bottom of the page, with ideas for potential audiences and how to find problems that need to be addressed closer to the top.
• Proposal Writing Resources This list of resources at the University of Northern Colorado's Office of Sponsored Programs page has links to a number of sites and agencies, some Colorado-oriented. Many of the sources are specific to grant proposal writing, but have tips and information useful for policy proposals as well.

Books on Policy Analysis in Education at Ikeda Library

• Developing Effective Policy Analysis in Higher Education by Judith I. Gill (Editor); Laura Saunders (Editor) Call Number: LA227.4 .D48 1992 ISBN: 1555427375 Publication Date: 1993-02-03

eBooks on Policy Analysis in Education at Ikeda Library

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

A policy memo is a practical, professionally written document that can vary in length from one page to over twenty-five pages. It provides analysis and recommendations directed to a predetermined audience regarding a specific situation, topic, or issue. A well-written policy memo reflects attention to the policy problem. It is well organized and structured in a clear and concise style that assumes the reader possesses limited knowledge of, as well as little time to conduct research about, the topic of concern. There is no thesis statement or overall theoretical framework underpinning the document; the focus is on describing one or more specific policy recommendations and their supporting action items.

Bhasin, Tavishi and Charity Butcher. “Teaching Effective Policy Memo Writing and Infographics in a Policy Programme.” European Political Science 21 (2022): 1-17; Davis, Jennifer. Guide to Writing Effective Policy Memos. MIT OpenCourseWare, Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Planning in Developing Countries, Spring 2004; Judge, Andrew. "Designing and Implementing Policy Writing Assessments: A Practical Guide." Teaching Public Administration 39 (2021): 351-368; Pennock, Andrew. “The Case for Using Policy Writing in Undergraduate Political Science Courses.” PS: Political Science and Politics 44 (January 2011): 141-146.

How to Approach Writing a Policy Memo

Benefits of Writing a Policy Memo

Writing a policy memo is intended to support the following learning outcomes:

• Helps students learn how to write academically rigorous, persuasive papers about a specific “real-world” issue;
• Teaches how to choose and craft a document’s content based on the needs of a particular audience [rather than for a general readership];
• Prepares students to write an effective position paper in non-academic settings;
• Promotes researching, organizing, and writing a persuasive paper that emphasizes presenting evidence-based recommendations rather than simply reporting a study's findings;
• Teaches students to be client-oriented and to better anticipate the assumptions and concerns of their targeted readership;
• Encourages reflective thinking about the cause and consequential effect of a particular recommendation and to anticipate what questions stakeholder groups may have; and,
• Enables students to create original work that synthesizes policy-making research into a clearly written document advocating change and specific courses of action.

Do not approach writing a policy memo in the same way as you would an academic research paper . Yes, there are certain commonalities in how the content is presented [e.g., a well-written problem statement], but the overarching objective of a policy memo is not to discover or create new knowledge. It is focused on providing to a predetermined group of readers the rationale for choosing a particular policy alternative and/or specific courses of action leading to positive social and political change within society. In this sense, most policy memos possess a component of advocacy and advice intended to promote evidence-based dialog about an issue.

Essential Elements of an Effective Policy Memo Focus and Objectives The overall content of your memo should be strategically aimed at achieving the following goal: convincing your target audience about the accuracy of your analysis and, by extension, that your policy recommendations are valid. Avoid lengthy digressions and superfluous narration that can distract the reader from understanding the policy problem. Note that your target audience is defined in two ways: by the decision-makers who can advocate for or implement change and by individuals and groups most likely impacted by your policy recommendations should they be implemented. Professionally Written Always keep in mind that a policy memorandum is a tool for decision-making. Keep it professional and avoid hyperbole and clever or indeterminate language that could undermine the credibility of your document. The presentation and content of the memo should be polished, easy to understand, and free of jargon. Writing professionally does not imply that you can’t be passionate about your topic, but your policy recommendations should be evidence-based and grounded in solid reasoning and a succinct writing style. Evidence-based A policy memo is not an argumentative debate paper. The reader should expect your recommendations to be based upon evidence that the problem exists and understand the consequences [both good and bad] of adopting particular policy alternatives. To address this, policy memos should include a clear cost-benefit analysis that considers anticipated outcomes, the potential impact on stakeholder groups you have identified, clear and quantifiable performance goals, and how success will be measured. Accessibility A policy memo requires clear and simple language that avoids unnecessary jargon and concepts of an academic discipline. Do not skip around. Use one paragraph to develop one idea or argument and make that idea or argument explicit within the first one or two sentences. Your memo should have a straightforward, explicit organizational structure that provides well-explained arguments arranged within a logical sequence of reasoning [think in terms of an if/then logic model--if this policy recommendation, then this action; if this benefit, then this potential cost; if this group is allocated resources, then this group may be excluded]. Presentation Style The visual impact of your memo affects the reader’s ability to grasp your ideas quickly and easily. Include a table of contents and list of figures and charts, if necessary. Subdivide the text using clear and descriptive headings to guide the reader. Incorporate devices such as capitalization, bold text, and bulleted items, but be consistent, and don’t go crazy; the purpose is to facilitate access to specific sections of the paper for successive readings. If it is difficult to find information in your document, policy makers will not use it. Practical and Feasible Your memorandum should provide a set of actions based on what is actually happening in reality. Do not base your policy recommendations on future scenarios or hypothetical situations that could be interpreted as unlikely to occur or that do not appear possible because you have not adequately explained the circumstances supporting these scenarios. Here again, your cost-benefit analysis can be essential to validating the practicality and feasibility of your recommendations. Explicit Transparency Provide specific criteria to assess either the success or failure of the policies you are recommending. As much as possible, this criteria should be derived from your cost/benefit analysis or framed as a SWOT [Strengths-weaknesses, opportunities-threats]. Do not hide or under-report information that does not support your policy recommendations. Just as you would note the limitations of your study in a research paper, a policy memo should describe issues of weakness of your analysis. Explain why they may arise and why your recommendations are still valid despite these issues. Be open and straightforward because doing so strengthens your arguments and it will help the reader assess the overall impact of recommended policy changes.

NOTE: Technically, it would not be wrong for your policy memo to argue for maintaining the status quo. However, the general objective of a policy memo assignment is to critically examine opportunities for transformative change and to highlight the risks of on-going complacency. If you choose to argue for maintaining the current policy trajectory, in whole or in part, be concise in identifying and systematically refuting all relevant policy options. Again, it must be rooted in an evidence-based cost/benefit analysis. Whether maintaining current policies is short-term or long-term [and these need to be clearly defined], you must explain concisely why each possible outcome of maintaining the status quo would be preferable to any alternative policy options and recommended courses of action. If your argument for maintaining the status quo is short-term, explain what factors in the future could trigger a policy-related course correction.

Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Policy Memo. Thompson Writing Program, Writing Studio. Duke University; Policy Memo Guidelines. Cornell Fellows Program. Cornell University; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Thrall, A. Trevor. How to Write a Policy Memo. University of Michigan--Dearborn, 2006; Mastro, Oriana Skylar. "Teach What you Preach: A Comprehensive Guide to the Policy Memo as a Methods Teaching Tool." Journal of Political Science Education 17 (2021): 326-340; Writing Effective Memos. Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. University of Washington; Writing Effective Policy Memos. Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Planning syllabus. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Structure and Writing Style

The contents of a policy memo can be organized in a variety of ways. Below is a general template adapted from the “Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition” published by the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver and from suggestions made in the book, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving [Eugene Bardach. 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2012] . Both sources provide useful approaches to writing a policy memo in the event your professor does not provide specific guidance. Overall, the tone of your writing should be formal but assertive. Note that the most important consideration in terms of writing style is professionalism, not creativity. I.  Cover Page Provide a complete and informative cover page that includes the document title, date, the full names and titles of the writer or writers [i.e., Joe Smith, Student, Department of Political Science, University of Southern California]. The title of the policy memo should be formally written and specific to the policy issue [e.g., “Charter Schools, Fair Housing, and Legal Standards: A Call for Equal Treatment”]. For longer memos, consider including a brief executive summary that highlights key findings and recommendations.

II.  Introduction and Problem Definition A policy memorandum should begin with a short summary introduction that defines the policy problem, provides important contextual background information, and explains what issues are being covered. This is followed by a short justification for writing the memo, why a decision needs to be made [answering the “So What?” question], and an outline of the recommendations you make or key themes the reader should keep in mind. Summarize your main points in a few sentences, then conclude with a description of how the remainder of the memo is organized.

III.  Methods This is usually where other research about the problem or issue of concern is summarized. Describe how you plan to identify and locate the information on which your policy memo is based. This may include peer-reviewed journals and books as well as possible professionals you interviewed, databases and websites you explored, or legislative histories or relevant case law that you used. Remember this is not intended to be a thorough literature review; only choose sources that persuasively support your position or that help lay a foundation for understanding why actions need to be taken.

IV.  Issue Analysis This section is where you explain in detail how you examined the issue and, by so doing, persuade the reader of the appropriateness of your analysis. This is followed by a description of how your analysis contributes to the current policy debate. It is important to demonstrate that the policy issue may be more complex than a basic pro versus con debate. Very few public policy debates can be reduced to this type of rhetorical dichotomy. Be sure your analysis is thorough and takes into account all factors that may influence possible strategies that could advance a recommended set of solutions.

V.  Proposed Solutions Write a brief review of the specific solutions you evaluated, noting the criteria by which you examined and compared different proposed policy alternatives. Identify the stakeholders impacted by the proposed solutions and describe in what ways they will benefit from your proposed solution. Focus on identifying solutions that have not been proposed or tested elsewhere. Offer a contrarian viewpoint that challenges the reader to take into account a new perspective on the research problem. Note that you can propose solutions that may be considered radical or unorthodox, but they must be realistic and politically feasible.

VI.  Strategic Recommendations Solutions are just opinions until you provide a path that delineates how to get from where you are to where you want to go. Describe what you believe are the best recommended courses of action [i.e., "action items"]. In writing this section, state the broad approach to be taken, with specific, practical steps or measures that should be implemented. Be sure to also state by whom and within what time frame these actions should be taken. Conclude by highlighting the consequences of maintaining the status quo [or if supporting the status quo, why change at this time would be detrimental]. Also, clearly explain why your strategic recommendations are best suited for addressing the current policy situation.

VI.  Limitations As in any academic paper, you must describe limitations to your analysis. In particular, ask yourself if each of your recommendations are realistic, feasible, and sustainable, and in particular, that they can be implemented within the current bureaucratic, economic, political, cultural, social, or other type of contextual climate in which they reside. If not, you should go back and clarify your recommendations and provide further evidence as to why the recommendation is most appropriate for addressing the issue. It does not necessarily undermine the overall recommendations of your study if the limitation cannot be overcome, but you must clearly acknowledge this. Place the limitation within the context of a critical issue that needs further study in concurrence with possible implementation [i.e., findings indicate service learning promotes civic engagement, but there is a lack of data on the types of service learning programs that exist among high schools in South Central Los Angeles].

VII.  Cost-Benefit Analysis This section may be optional but, in some cases, your professor may ask you to include an explicit summary analysis of the costs and benefits of each recommendation. If you are asked to include a separate cost-benefit analysis, be concise and brief. Since most policy memos do not have a formal conclusion, the cost-benefit analysis can act as your conclusion by summarizing the key differences among policy alternatives and recommended courses of action.

NOTE:   A feature found in many policy memos is the inclusion of text boxes or sidebars that are separate from the main body of text. A text box contains a useful checklist, case study, summary, example, quotation, definition, or expansion of an idea that is located close to the text it supports. A sidebar is a type of exclamation located beside or within the main content that brings further attention to a key point or is used to encourage the reader to pay particular attention to that section of the memo. A sidebar often contains a quotation or brief statement lifted from the main text. Both features are appropriate to use in your policy memo, but don't overdo it. Limit the use of a text box or sidebar to only the most essential text that expands or adds value to understanding content in a specific section of the policy memo, in particular, in the issue analysis section or when describing your strategic recommendations.

Bardach, Eugene. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2012; Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Policy Memo Guidelines. Cornell Fellows Program. Cornell University; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Pennock, Andrew. “The Case for Using Policy Writing in Undergraduate Political Science Courses.” PS: Political Science and Politics 44 (January 2011): 141-146; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Text Boxes and Callouts. Australian Government Style Manual; Thrall, A. Trevor. How to Write a Policy Memo. University of Michigan--Dearborn, 2006; Sajedinejad, S., et al. From Research to Impact: A Toolkit for Developing Effective Policy Briefs . Toronto, Ontario: Policy Bench, Fraser Mustard Institute of Human Development, University of Toronto, 2021; What Are Policy Briefs. FAO Corporate Document Repository. United Nations; Writing Effective Memos. Electronic Hallway. Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. University of Washington; Writing Effective Policy Memos. Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Planning syllabus. Spring 2004. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Proofreading the Memo

Problems to Avoid

The style and arrangement of an effectively written memo can differ because no two policies, nor their intended audience of readers, are exactly the same. Nevertheless, before you submit your policy memo, be sure you proofread the document so that you avoid these common problems. If you identify one or more of these problems, you should rewrite or re-organize the content accordingly.

1.  Acknowledge the Law of Unintended Consequences . No policy analysis is complete until you have identified for whom the policy actions are supposed to benefit and identify what groups may be impacted by the consequences of their implementation. Review your memo and make sure you have clearly delineated who could be helped and who could be potentially harmed or excluded from benefiting from your recommended policy actions. As noted by Wilcoxen, this is also important because describing who may or may not benefit can help you anticipate which stakeholder groups will support your policy recommendations and which groups will likely oppose it. Calculating potential "winners" and "losers" will help reveal how much it may cost to compensate those groups excluded from benefiting. By building this compensation into your policy recommendations, you are better able to show the reader how to reduce political obstacles.

2.  Anticipate the Reader's Questions . Examine your recommended courses of action and identify any open-ended, declarative, indeterminate, or ambiguous statements that could lead the reader to have to ask further questions. For example, you declare that the most important factor supporting school choice among parents is distance from home. Without clarification or additional information, this could lead the reader to ask numerous questions, such as, why or by what means do you know this, what distance is considered to be too far, what factors contribute to parent's decision about school choice and distance from schools, or what age group does this most apply to. Clarify these types of open-ended statements so that your policy recommendations can be more fully understood and accepted as valid.

3.  Be Concise . Being succinct in your writing does not relate to the overall length of the policy memo or the amount of words you use. It relates to your ability to provide a lot of information clearly and without superfluous detail. Strategies include r eviewing long paragraphs and breaking them up into parts, looking for long sentences and eliminating unnecessary qualifiers and modifiers, and deleting prepositional phrases in favor of adjectives or adverbs. The overarching goal is to be thorough and precise in how your ideas are presented and to avoid writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions.

4.  Focus on the Results . While it is important that your memo describe the methods by which you gathered and analyzed the data informing your policy recommendations, the content should focus on explaining the results of your analysis and the logic underpinning your recommendations. Remember your audience. The reader is presumably a decision-maker with limited knowledge of the issue and who has little time to contemplate the methods of analysis. The validity of your findings will be determined primarily by your reader's determination that your policy recommendations and supporting action items are realistic and rooted in sound reasoning. Review your memo and make sure the statement about how you gathered the data is brief and concise. If necessary, technical issues or raw data can be included in an appendix.

5.  Minimize Subjective Reasoning . Although the memo should be persuasive, avoid emphasizing your personal opinion about the topic. A policy memo should be written in a professional tone with recommendations based upon empirical reasoning while, at the same time, reflecting a level of passion about your topic. However, being passionate does not imply being opinionated. The memo should emphasize presenting all of the facts a reader would need to reach their own conclusions about the validity of your recommendations.

6.  Use of Non-textual Elements . It is common for policy memos to include data, statistics, and other types of information that require visualization. Review all tables, charts, figures, graphs, photographs, and other non-textual elements and make sure they are labeled correctly. Examine each in relation to the text, making sure they are described adequately and that they relate to the overall content of your memo. If these elements are located in appendices, make sure descriptive references to them within the text are correct [i.e., reference to Figure 2 is actually the table you want the reader to look at].

Bardach, Eugene and Eric M. Pataschnik. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem-Solving . 5th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2016; Herman, Luciana. Policy Memos. John F. Kennedy School of Government. Harvard University; How to Write a Public Policy Memo. Student Learning Center. University of California, Berkeley; Memo: Audience and Purpose. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Policy Memo Requirements and Guidelines, 2012-2013 edition. Institute for Public Policy Studies. University of Denver; Wilcoxen, Peter J. Tips on Writing a Policy Memo. PAI 723, Economics for Public Decisions Course Syllabus. Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University.

Writing Tip

Difference Between a Policy Memo and a Policy Brief

A policy memo and a policy brief share much in common. They both describe the rationale for choosing particular policy alternatives or courses of action, they both contain persuasive language, and both documents are written for non-experts, such as, practitioners, politicians, non-governmental agency workers, lobbyists, and others who work on or regularly make decisions about the issue addressed in the document. Both documents are free of jargon or technical terminology and focus on communicating the practical implications of prior policy research to a specific audience based on available evidence.

Ironically, however, a policy memo is typically shorter in length than a policy “brief.” A policy memo usually ranges from one to twenty-five pages, while a policy brief can be anywhere from twenty to more than a hundred pages in length depending on the complexity of the topic. Therefore:

• A policy brief is commonly produced in response to a request from a decision-maker concerning an issue that requires more thorough information to address the underlying policy problem or they are produced by an advocacy group or organization for the purpose of influencing a specific policy, often in an urgent tone. Non-textual elements , such as, figures, charts, graphs, or diagrams, are often included.
• A policy memo is concisely written and presents information, ideas, and recommendations clearly so the reader can quickly scan the document for the most relevant points. Policy memos focus on brevity and often synthesize existing evidence in language that is direct, specific, and with minimal background information or historical context. Non-textual elements are only included if necessary.

Guide to Writing an Effective Policy Memo. Leadership for Educational Equity, New York; Policy Briefs. The Writing Center, University of North Carolina;  Policy Memo. Writing Studio, Duke University; Manny, Karoline. What is a Policy Brief/Memo? Grace Doherty Library, Centra College; Sajedinejad, S., et al. From Research to Impact: A Toolkit for Developing Effective Policy Briefs . Toronto, Ontario: Policy Bench. Fraser Mustard Institute of Human Development, University of Toronto, 2021.

Another Writing Tip

Citing Sources

Policy memos generally do not include extensive footnotes, endnotes, further readings, or a bibliography. However, if you use supporting information in a memo, cite the source in the text. For example, you may refer to a study that supported a specific assertion by referencing it in the following manner: "A study published in 2012 by the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling showed that public opinion towards China was....” However, some assignments may require a formal list of references. Before writing your memo, be sure you are clear about how your professor wants you to cite any sources referred to in your analysis.

Policy Memo. Thompson Writing Program, Writing Studio. Duke University.

Yet Another Writing Tip

Using Non-Textual Elements

Policy memos are not just text-based but frequently include numeric tables and charts or other non-textual elements, such as photographs, maps, and illustrations. However, it is important that you use non-textual elements judiciously and only in relation to supplementing and clarifying arguments made in the text so as not to distract the reader from the main points of your memo . As with any non-textual elements, describe what the reader is seeing and why the data is important to understanding the policy problem.

Still Yet Another Writing Tip

Including Appendices

The purpose of an appendix is to provide supplementary material that is not an essential part of the main text but which may be helpful in providing the reader with more complete information. If you have information that is vital to understanding an issue discussed in the memo, it can be included in one or more appendices. However, if you have a lot of information, don't write a five page memo and include twenty pages of appendices. Memos are intended to be  succinct and clearly expressed. If there is a lot of data, refer to the source and summarize it, or discuss with your professor how it should be included.

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8 steps to drafting a policy proposal

Creating an effective policy proposal is a critical skill for any lobbyist, especially when addressing issues of public concern. The ability to craft a compelling and persuasive policy proposal can significantly influence the success of your lobbying efforts. Here's a brief guide to creating a policy proposal,

STEP 1: Identify the Issue

Clearly define the issue of public concern you want to address. Understanding the problem in-depth is crucial for formulating a viable solution.

STEP 2: Research and Analysis

Conduct thorough research to gather relevant data and information. This includes understanding existing policies, stakeholders' perspectives, and potential impacts of the proposed changes.

STEP 3: Define Your Objective

Clearly articulate the goal of your proposal. What specific change or outcome are you advocating for?

STEP 4: Develop a Strategy

Outline a strategic approach to achieve your objective. This involves identifying key stakeholders, potential allies, and opposition, and planning how to engage with them.

STEP 5: Draft the Proposa l

Write a clear, concise, and compelling proposal. It should include an introduction to the issue, evidence-based analysis, your proposed solution, and the expected benefits of the solution.

STEP 6: Engage Stakeholders

Build support for your proposal by engaging with key stakeholders. This includes decision-makers, influencers, and the public.

STEP 7: Present the Proposal

Prepare to present your proposal in various forums, adapting your communication style to different audiences.

STEP 8: Follow-up and Adaptation

Be prepared to follow up with stakeholders, address feedback, and adapt your proposal as necessary.

Our Comprehensive Course

In our full course, we delve deeper into each of these steps, providing you with the tools, techniques, and insider knowledge to become a successful lobbyist. You will learn:

- Advanced research techniques specific to policy-making.

- Strategies for stakeholder engagement and coalition building.

- Techniques for persuasive writing and effective communication.

- Methods for monitoring and evaluating policy impact.

This course is designed not only to teach you how to write a policy proposal but also to complete a comprehensive lobbying strategy from start to finish. It's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of public policy and advocacy.

Stay tuned for more information on our course and learn the art of transforming public concerns into actionable policy changes!

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Criminal Justice

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Writing policy proposals in criminal justice.

This article delves into the intricate process of developing policy proposals within the United States criminal justice system. The introduction contextualizes the significance of policy proposals, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of law enforcement, judiciary, and community relations. The exploration of historical perspectives and contemporary challenges provides a nuanced understanding of the evolving nature of criminal justice policies. The article outlines key elements crucial for effective policy proposals, including rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to legal and ethical standards. Delving into the legislative process, the discussion navigates the intricacies of crafting, presenting, and ultimately advocating for policy proposals within the dynamic political landscape. Drawing on case studies, the article analyzes both successful and failed policy initiatives, offering valuable insights and lessons for future endeavors. In conclusion, the article underscores the importance of evidence-based, collaborative, and ethically sound policy-making, urging continued research and engagement to shape a more equitable and effective criminal justice system.

Introduction

In the intricate web of the United States criminal justice system, the formulation of policy proposals stands as a cornerstone for fostering systemic change and addressing evolving societal needs. This section provides a succinct exploration of the pivotal role that policy proposals play in shaping the multifaceted landscape of law enforcement, judiciary, and community interactions. As societal dynamics continually shift, the ability to adapt and reform policies becomes paramount in ensuring the system’s responsiveness to emerging challenges.

Defining the essence of policy proposals within the context of criminal justice, this subsection elucidates the nuanced nature of these proposals as strategic instruments for effecting change. Policy proposals encapsulate comprehensive plans and recommendations designed to address issues, enhance efficiency, and ultimately bring about positive transformations within the criminal justice framework. By dissecting their essential elements, this section underscores the significance of policy proposals as dynamic instruments that shape the very fabric of the criminal justice system.

The effectiveness of policy proposals hinges on a foundation of evidence-based and data-driven decision-making. This subsection highlights the paramount importance of relying on empirical evidence and robust data analyses in crafting policies that are not only responsive to societal needs but also rooted in a sound understanding of the complex issues at hand. As the criminal justice system grapples with intricate challenges, an emphasis on evidence-based practices ensures that policy proposals are not only theoretically sound but also practical and capable of fostering positive, measurable impacts. This commitment to data-driven approaches serves as a guiding principle throughout the article, emphasizing the critical role of empirical support in shaping policies that stand the test of real-world implementation.

Understanding the Context

This section delves into the historical evolution of policies within the criminal justice system, tracing their development in response to dynamic societal shifts and challenges. Examining key historical junctures, it explores how the landscape of criminal justice policies has been shaped by societal transformations, ranging from shifts in public attitudes to significant cultural, economic, and political changes. By understanding the historical context, we gain insight into the adaptive nature of policies, illustrating their capacity to mirror and respond to the evolving needs and expectations of society.

Building on the historical perspective, this subsection examines the profound impact of landmark legal cases on the formulation of criminal justice policies. By analyzing key court decisions that have shaped the interpretation and application of laws, we uncover how legal precedents serve as catalysts for policy evolution. The section illuminates the intricate interplay between judicial rulings and policy development, showcasing the role of the legal system in influencing and often necessitating revisions to existing policies.

Turning the focus to the contemporary landscape, this part of the article identifies and analyzes pressing challenges within the current criminal justice system that demand policy attention. By scrutinizing issues such as disparities in sentencing, police-community relations, and the overburdened correctional system, we aim to pinpoint areas where policies can play a transformative role. This analysis lays the groundwork for the subsequent discussion on the formulation of targeted and responsive policy proposals.

Acknowledging the dynamic nature of society, this subsection explores how contemporary challenges in the criminal justice system are intertwined with broader social, economic, and technological changes. The impact of these factors on crime rates, law enforcement strategies, and the administration of justice necessitates a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape. By scrutinizing the intersection of these influences, policymakers can better anticipate and address emerging challenges, ensuring that policy responses remain adaptive and effective in the face of a rapidly changing world.

Key Elements of Effective Policy Proposals

This segment underscores the fundamental role of empirical evidence in crafting effective policy proposals within the criminal justice system. By emphasizing the necessity of grounding proposals in robust data and research findings, policymakers can ensure that their initiatives are informed by a deep understanding of the issues at hand. This subsection explores how empirical evidence serves as a foundation for identifying problems, evaluating their scope, and proposing targeted solutions, thereby enhancing the likelihood of policy success.

Building on the empirical foundation, this section highlights the significance of conducting thorough literature reviews and case studies in the policy development process. By delving into existing research, policymakers can contextualize their proposals, identify gaps in current understanding, and draw on successful models from other jurisdictions. An examination of relevant literature and case studies contributes to the formulation of well-informed, contextually aware policy proposals that stand up to scrutiny and enhance the likelihood of successful implementation.

This subsection emphasizes the necessity of engaging a diverse array of stakeholders throughout the policy development process. From law enforcement and the judiciary to community groups and advocacy organizations, the involvement of key stakeholders ensures that policies are comprehensive, responsive, and reflective of the varied perspectives within the criminal justice system. By fostering inclusive participation, policymakers can harness collective expertise, address potential blind spots, and increase the likelihood of policy acceptance and success.

Building on stakeholder identification, this section delves into the importance of establishing collaborative relationships with various entities involved in the criminal justice process. Effective communication and collaboration with law enforcement, the judiciary, community groups, and advocacy organizations are essential for garnering support, navigating potential challenges, and ensuring that proposed policies align with the practical realities of implementation. The establishment of these collaborative partnerships contributes to the development of policies that are not only well-informed but also garner broader support and acceptance.

Turning attention to the legal framework, this subsection underscores the imperative of ensuring that policy proposals align with constitutional principles. By adhering to the fundamental tenets of the Constitution, policymakers can craft policies that withstand legal scrutiny and adhere to the principles of justice and fairness. This section explores how a keen awareness of constitutional considerations is pivotal in safeguarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of proposed criminal justice policies.

Complementing the legal focus, this part of the article delves into the importance of addressing ethical concerns associated with civil liberties and human rights in policy proposals. Recognizing the potential impact of policies on individual rights and freedoms, policymakers must navigate the delicate balance between public safety and protecting the rights of citizens. By incorporating ethical considerations into the policy development process, proposals can align with broader societal values, fostering a criminal justice system that is not only effective but also just and equitable.

The Legislative Process

This section provides an overview of the legislative process in the United States, delineating the roles of both the federal Congress and state legislatures in shaping and passing criminal justice policies. By elucidating the distinct functions and responsibilities of these legislative bodies, policymakers can navigate the intricate pathways through which policies evolve from proposals to enacted laws. Understanding the federal-state interplay is essential for crafting policies that align with the legal frameworks of each jurisdiction.

Building on the legislative overview, this subsection explores the committee system within legislative bodies and its profound impact on the fate of policy proposals. An in-depth analysis of how committees vet and shape proposed legislation provides valuable insights into the hurdles and opportunities for policy advocates. Understanding the committee system’s dynamics is crucial for tailoring policy proposals to align with committee priorities and garnering influential support for successful advancement.

Transitioning to the practical aspects of policy development, this segment emphasizes the necessity of drafting clear and concise policy language. Clarity in language not only ensures that policymakers and legislators understand the intent and impact of proposals but also facilitates public comprehension. This section delves into the art of crafting precise language that encapsulates the policy’s objectives, parameters, and anticipated outcomes, minimizing ambiguity and maximizing the proposal’s effectiveness.

Effective communication is paramount in presenting policy proposals to legislators and policymakers. This subsection explores strategies for conveying complex ideas, evidence, and the societal significance of proposed policies. By examining communication methods such as testimony, briefings, and public forums, policymakers can enhance their ability to articulate the rationale behind proposals, respond to inquiries, and build persuasive narratives that resonate with decision-makers.

This segment delves into the intricate political dynamics that influence the adoption of criminal justice policies. By examining the influences of public opinion, interest groups, and election cycles, policymakers can anticipate challenges and opportunities in advancing their proposals. Understanding the political landscape is vital for tailoring policy approaches that align with prevailing sentiments while also addressing the systemic issues at the core of criminal justice challenges.

Acknowledging the inherently political nature of policy adoption, this subsection underscores the importance of building bipartisan support for criminal justice policy proposals. By transcending partisan divides, policymakers increase the likelihood of policy acceptance and long-term success. Strategies for fostering bipartisan collaboration, coalition-building, and outreach to lawmakers with diverse ideological perspectives are explored, emphasizing the collaborative efforts necessary for effective policy advancement in a politically diverse landscape.

Case Studies

This section engages in an analysis of successful criminal justice policy proposals that have yielded positive outcomes. By scrutinizing policies at both the federal and state levels, this examination seeks to identify key initiatives that have effectively addressed specific challenges within the criminal justice system. Through a lens of empirical evidence and real-world impact, policymakers can glean valuable insights into the factors contributing to the success of these policies and their applicability to broader systemic improvements.

Building on the analysis, this subsection aims to distill common elements present in the successful implementation of criminal justice policies. By identifying recurring themes, strategies, and approaches employed in these success stories, policymakers can extract valuable principles that contribute to the efficacy of policy implementation. Understanding these commonalities lays the groundwork for the development of evidence-based best practices, facilitating the creation of policies with a higher likelihood of achieving positive, tangible outcomes.

Shifting focus to the other side of the spectrum, this section delves into the examination of failed criminal justice policy proposals. Through an in-depth analysis of policies that did not achieve their intended objectives, policymakers gain valuable insights into the pitfalls, challenges, and contextual factors contributing to failure. Understanding these shortcomings is crucial for refining future policy initiatives, avoiding recurrent issues, and fostering a more resilient approach to criminal justice reform.

Concluding the case study analysis, this subsection extracts valuable insights from failed proposals to inform future policy development. By critically evaluating the root causes of failure and the complex interplay of factors involved, policymakers can enhance their capacity to anticipate challenges, adjust strategies, and develop more resilient and adaptive policies. The lessons learned from failed proposals contribute to the iterative nature of policy development, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the pursuit of effective criminal justice reform.

As we conclude this exploration of the intricate process of developing policy proposals within the United States criminal justice system, it is imperative to reaffirm the central role that these proposals play in shaping the trajectory of law enforcement, judiciary, and community relations. Policy proposals stand as dynamic instruments for fostering systemic change, addressing societal challenges, and ensuring the continued evolution of a responsive and effective criminal justice system.

Throughout this article, a consistent theme has emerged – the critical importance of evidence-based, collaborative, and ethical policy-making. Grounding policies in empirical evidence, engaging diverse stakeholders, and navigating legal and ethical considerations are foundational principles for crafting initiatives that stand up to scrutiny and bring about meaningful change. The emphasis on these principles underscores the commitment to ensuring that policy proposals not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to the long-term integrity and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

In conclusion, this article serves as a call to action for continued research, innovation, and active engagement in shaping the future of criminal justice policies. The challenges facing the criminal justice system are multifaceted and ever-evolving, requiring a sustained commitment to staying informed, adapting strategies, and collaborating across disciplines. Policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and community members alike are urged to contribute to the ongoing dialogue, drawing on the lessons learned from successful and failed policies, to collectively forge a more equitable, transparent, and responsive criminal justice system. By embracing the principles outlined in this article and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we can collectively strive towards a criminal justice system that reflects the values of justice, fairness, and the well-being of all members of society.

Bibliography

• Clear, T. R. (2007). Imprisoning communities: How mass incarceration makes disadvantaged neighborhoods worse. Oxford University Press.
• Cresswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
• Garland, D. (2001). The culture of control: Crime and social order in contemporary society. University of Chicago Press.
• Holton, R. (2018). Making law and policy that work: A handbook for law and policy makers on reforming criminal justice and related areas. Hart Publishing.
• Lipton, D., Martinson, R., & Wilks, J. (1975). The effectiveness of correctional treatment: A survey of treatment evaluation studies. Praeger Publishers.
• Mastrofski, S. D., Ritti, R. R., & Hoffmaster, D. (1987). Organizational models of police: A theoretical and empirical analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 15(1), 1-18.
• Nagin, D. S., & Telep, C. W. (2017). Procedural justice and legal compliance: A theoretical perspective. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 13, 5-28.
• Reiss, A. J. (1992). Police organization in the twentieth century. Crime and Justice, 15, 327-377.
• Rosenbaum, D. P., & Lurigio, A. J. (1994). Measuring the deterrent effect of imprisonment: A methodological note. Criminology, 32(3), 355-376.
• Sampson, R. J., & Wilson, W. J. (1995). Toward a theory of race, crime, and urban inequality. In J. Hagan & R. Peterson (Eds.), Crime and inequality (pp. 37-56). Stanford University Press.
• Skogan, W. G. (2006). Asymmetry in the impact of encounters with police. Policing and Society, 16(2), 99-126.
• Thacher, D. (2001). The rise of community policing as an ideal type. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 7(1), 239-258.
• Tyler, T. R. (2003). Procedural justice, legitimacy, and the effective rule of law. Crime and Justice, 30(1), 283-357.
• van Dijk, J. J. (2008). The world of crime: Breaking the silence on problems of security, justice, and development across the world. Sage Publications.
• Weisburd, D., & Eck, J. E. (2004). What can police do to reduce crime, disorder, and fear? The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 593(1), 42-65.

Policy Presentation

Developed in collaboration with Dr. Dan Pomeroy, manager of MIT’s International Policy Lab .

Criteria for success

• The presentation starts with the main policy implication of your work or recommendation.
• Do not spend time on your methods; policy makers are not peer reviewers and trust your work.
• Unnecessary scientific detail and jargon is kept to a minimum.
• Each slide has a title that stands on it own and tells a single message.
• Figures have the minimum amount of information to make your point and nothing more.

Generally, when an academic is presenting to a policy audience, they are either providing information, typically in response to a request, or making policy recommendations. In the case of the former, it is important to directly answer the questions and not just provide generally relevant information. For the latter, the more specific you can be, the better.

Policy makers often do not have time to devise solutions based on problems presented to them, but can instead evaluate, modify, and hopefully adopt the suggestions of experts. Therefore, if you can lay out a blueprint for what they will do from the time they leave the room through the implementation of your recommendation, you will significantly increase the likelihood that your recommendation is considered. Policy makers appreciate proposals for action that are clear and articulate and show that they have been thought through before presentation.

Finally, you might also provide recommendations by laying out a variety of policy options and identifying the pros and cons of each.

Structure Diagram

As scientists and engineers, we often present work as a story, where we present a problem and then innovative methods developed to address the problem. However, if policy makers do not grasp the relevance of the talk within the first few minutes, their minds may wander to other business or personal issues. You must quickly present the conclusions of your work, along with desired actions, and state how this relates to the problems on their desk.

Only after presenting the take-away message should you begin to present supporting arguments and data. Try to organize all the details of your presentation into 1-3 arguments and group these ideas together to support the take-away message. Each slide should be structured to convey a single message or sub-point (see below).

After major sections, come back to your Agenda slide, highlighting the section to be covered next. If your arguments are presented in a logical order, this will help your audience follow your presentation.

The final slide (or second-to-last slide if the final slide is “Next Steps”) should reiterate the take-away message and look a lot like the first slide.

Analyze your audience

Whether presenting to Congressional staff or Executive branch officials, keep in mind there are likely few, if any, scientists in your audience. Your audience will not have depth in your scientific area of expertise, but they are smart and can learn quickly. Furthermore, policy makers are constantly evaluating new information and requests as they arrive through the day. You may be presenting to an audience that is busy or distracted and you must communicate as effectively as possible in the limited time available.

When possible, learn the background on specific members of the audience. Before any presentation to policy makers, make sure to know what issues they are currently discussing and debating. Try to learn specifics such as their voting record, committee assignments, or past statements on the topic. If possible, learn as much as you can about their agenda, why this topic or presentation is important to them, and whether you expect any pre-conceived biases or opinions.  

Each slide should convey a single point

The purpose of each slide is to convey a message using visual evidence as support. Ask yourself what minimum set of things needs to be shown for the slide to make its point and only include elements that you actually plan to talk about.

To help get your main points across, use strong titles with complete sentences that explicitly state the slide’s main takeaway. Weak titles tend to be nouns like “Background” or “Incidence of cancer.” A strong title might say “Lung cancer incidence is increasing 5% per year.” Ideally, someone should be able to flip through the presentation and understand the argument by just reading slide titles.

If a slide makes multiple points, try one of the following:

• Remove points that don’t come up later in the talk
• Make multiple slides, each with their own message, title, and content
• Make parts of the slide appear and disappear to display different pieces of content that together support the title’s message

Make each slide as simple as possible while still conveying its message

Treat the message you want to communicate as your “signal”. Your goal is to transmit this signal as clearly as possible to your audience. For each message, spend time thinking about the best way to transmit the signal to your audience. For example, text and visual media can deliver identical messages, but with different clarity.

• Tables list information with little context or interpretation. They are best for highlighting individual values or drawing attention to a precise value.
• Figures illustrate conclusions with evidence and are open to interpretation. Figures are better suited for viewing the overall shape of the data.
• Text and speech tell precise statements.

Anything that interferes with communication of your message is “noise”.

Noise from evidence

Don’t drown your audience in data: include only the minimum data necessary to make your point. Including evidence that doesn’t directly support your message distracts from evidence that does. For example, if only three data points matter in a complicated line plot, perhaps you could highlight those three numbers by displaying them in a table instead.

Noise from presentation

The way you present your chosen evidence can also draw attention away from your message. The example below gives a few common techniques for how a slide can be improved to remove noise.

• The title of the slide is changed from a description of the data to a message about the data.
• Legends are moved directly next to the data they describe, so the reader doesn’t have to look back and forth and match colors.
• Color scheme is simplified and changed to draw attention the the relevant portion of data.
• Unnecessary 3D graphics are removed.

Source: Trees, Maps, and Theorems, by Jean-Luc Doumont, page 99

Many other types of noise exist. For example, unnecessary gridlines, axis labels, and color can clutter a figure. Ask yourself what you want your audience to take away from the figure and how you can make it easier for them to locate and focus on the relevant information. The format and style of your presentation should never distract from the content.

(The metaphor of “signal-to-noise ratio” comes from Jean-luc Doumont’s book Trees, Maps, and Theorems .)

Choose figure designs that best communicate your message

Just as words may be better or worse at communicating an idea, different figure designs may be better or worse at communicating your message. In designing a successful figure, consider which media, figure types, and plot types (see below for examples of each) best highlight your message. For complex messages, multiple panels can break down a message into clear statements. Multi-panel figures will likely employ a combination of media and plot types. Use the complementary strengths of each element to communicate your message.

Plot types emphasize different types of data.

What are you trying to show with your data: a correlation, a distribution, an event in time?

Use simple, consistent formatting

• Use a consistent font and font size: e.g. , 24 for slide titles, 16 for text in slide, and 10 for axis labels.
• Make sure all graphics are sized such that all text is readable.
• Simplify data labels by removing generic gridlines and other visual clutter.
• Instead add emphasis to key points only using colors, arrows, or labels.
• All axes on graphs should be labeled and titled and units should be indicated in parentheses, e.g. , “Revenues ($M)”. Only use 3-5 tick marks with labels on each axis. These labels should be only numbers, since you have already included units in the axis label.
• Leave white space on your slide. A dense slide is hard to read. A spacious slide will have less information, but your reader will understand more of it.

Additional resources

• CommKit article on general slideshow design
• CommKit article on figure design
• CommKit articles on public speaking

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

Policy presentation by two MIT Nuclear Science and Engineering professors 4 MB

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A Detailed Guide to Public Policy Proposal Example

Table of Contents

Creating a public policy proposal example involves several critical steps, including identifying the problem. It also includes researching and analyzing the issue, developing solutions, and presenting the proposal to stakeholders.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to creating a public policy proposal, including the essential elements of a proposal. We will also outline the steps in developing a proposal and tips for effective proposal writing.

What Is a Public Policy Proposal Example?

Public policy proposals are essential tools that help governments, organizations, and individuals address various societal problems and challenges .

A public policy proposal is a document that outlines specific actions that should be taken to address a particular problem or issue. It is usually presented to policymakers or other relevant stakeholders, who then decide whether to implement the proposed solution.

Essential Elements of a Public Policy Proposal

While the specific details of a public policy proposal will vary depending on the problem being addressed, several essential elements should be included. These elements include:

Problem Statement

The problem statement briefly describes the problem or issue the proposal seeks to address. It should be clear, concise, and provide enough information to help the reader understand the nature and scope of the problem.

Background and Context

The background and context section provides additional information about the problem, including its history, causes, and relevant background information. It helps the reader understand why the problem is important and how it has developed.

Goals and Objectives

The goals and objectives section outlines the specific goals and objectives of the proposal. It should be clear, specific, and measurable, providing a clear roadmap for achieving the desired outcomes.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution section outlines the specific actions that should be taken to address the problem. It should be based on research and analysis and feasible and practical.

Implementation Plan

The implementation plan outlines the steps you will take to implement the proposed solution. It should include a timeline, budget, and other relevant details.

Evaluation and Monitoring

The evaluation and monitoring section outlines how the proposal’s effectiveness will be measured and monitored over time.

It should include specific metrics and methods for measuring progress and evaluating outcomes.

Steps in Developing a Public Policy Proposal

Developing a public policy proposal involves several critical steps, including:

Identify the Problem

The first step in developing a public policy proposal is to identify the problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This may involve conducting research, analyzing data, and consulting with stakeholders.

Conduct Research and Analysis

Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to conduct research and analysis. This is to understand the problem and potential solutions better. This may involve reviewing existing literature, analyzing data, and consulting with experts.

Develop Solutions

The next step is to develop potential solutions to the problem based on the research and analysis. It is important to consider various options and evaluate their feasibility, effectiveness, and potential drawbacks.

Select a Preferred Solution

Once a range of solutions has been developed, the next step is to select a preferred solution. This is based on feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and political feasibility criteria.

Develop the Proposal

With the preferred solution selected, the next step is to develop the public policy proposal. This involves drafting the essential elements of the proposal, including the problem statement, background, and context. And also goals and objectives proposed solutions, implementation plans, and evaluation and monitoring plans.

Consult With Stakeholders

Before finalizing the proposal, consulting with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, experts, and other affected parties is essential. This can help ensure that the proposal is practical, feasible, and has broad support.

Refine the Proposal

Based on feedback from stakeholders, the proposal may need to be refined or revised to address any concerns or objections. This may involve further research or analysis, adjusting the proposed solution or implementation plan, or modifying the evaluation and monitoring plan.

Present the Proposal

Once the proposal has been refined and finalized, it is presented to relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, decision-makers, and other affected parties. This may involve formal presentations, meetings, or written submissions.

Tips for Effective Proposal Writing

Writing a public policy proposal can be a challenging task. To ensure that your proposal is effective and persuasive, here are some tips to consider:

1. Be Clear and Concise

Your proposal should be written in clear, concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid technical jargon or complex terminology that may confuse or alienate your audience.

2. Provide Evidence

Your proposal should be based on evidence and research. Use data, statistics, and other relevant information to support your arguments and recommendations.

3. Focus on Outcomes

Your proposal should focus on achieving specific outcomes and goals. Ensure that your proposal clearly articulates what you hope to achieve and how you will measure success.

4. Consider the Feasibility

Your proposal should be feasible and practical. Consider the political, economic, and social context in which your proposal will be implemented and ensure that it is viable and achievable.

5. Be Persuasive

Your proposal should be persuasive and compelling. Use persuasive language, compelling arguments, and engaging visuals to help make your case.

6. Consult With Stakeholders

Consult with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, experts, and other affected parties. This ensures your proposal is well-informed, practical, and has broad support.

Developing a public policy proposal requires careful consideration, research, and planning.

You can create a compelling proposal by following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips provided. This has the potential to make a significant impact on the world.

While it may require effort and attention to detail, the result can be a positive change in policy. This benefits society as a whole. With dedication and a focus on the desired outcomes, creating a public policy proposal can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Policy Proposal Templates

30 professional policy proposal templates [& examples].

Although you can use a policy proposal template for different purposes, there’s only one effective way to write it. A really good policy proposal should pull together all the required information in a persuasive and terse manner. Whether what you’re writing about involves a brand new system or just a small tweak in your advertising strategy, it is important to know how to write a policy proposal if you want it to get approved.

Table of Contents

• 1 Policy Proposal Templates
• 2 Types of policy proposals
• 3 Policy Proposal Examples
• 4 Parts of a policy proposal
• 5 Policy Proposals Samples
• 6 Tips for writing your policy proposal
• 7 Check your policy proposal template before submitting

Types of policy proposals

People create policies for a specific purpose which is primarily to maintain order and peace in a specific environment. There are always major issues in most workplaces which have gotten worse in the past few years. You shouldn’t take these for granted as they affect the workforce.

This is the reason why you would create a policy proposal template. Those who disobey the rules in your policy proposals example get subjected to disciplinary actions like sanctions. You can make a policy proposal for:

• Environmental Policies
• Health Policies
• HR Policies
• New Policies
• Policy Changes
• Public Policies
• Security Policies

Remember that this document is an attempt to deal with a particular problem. It should identify this problem, how it impacts an entity and should offer suggestions on how to solve it.

Before creating policy proposals examples, you have to collect information and facts. Include any supporting data that’s both credible and relevant to the problem. After the facts, you must specify the problem, establish which audience it affects, then offer a proposed solution.

After creating a hypothesis, it’s time to prove it with solid facts which you can get from scientific studies or survey statistics. Providing your policy proposal template with alternative solutions is highly appreciated too. However, you still have to prove that each solution is of help and you should back this up with hard facts.

Consider these practical pointers when you learn how to write a policy proposal:

• Make sure it’s relevant Claiming that there is an issue is easy said but proving this is a different story. The problem you choose to deal with must have a significant effect on the audience, meaning those directly affected by the problem.
• Be as specific as you can If you choose to deal with a certain issue in your policy proposal template, stick with that issue. Don’t introduce any other issues which aren’t related to the central purpose.
• Make sure your audience understands the purpose Whatever policy you recommend is often met with dissent, usually from a minority. To avoid this conflict, make sure that the readers understand the points from your own perspective. Explain why there’s a need for this policy and the benefits that your audience can derive from it.

Policy Proposal Examples

Parts of a policy proposal

Presenting a policy proposal is an excellent way to introduce your idea, especially to your supervisors who you can supply with the required information. With this, they can to decide upon knowing the complete implication of the decision they make. This also gives you the opportunity to create a structured and logical argument by laying everything down in support of your proposal.

If you present a well-made proposal to your manager, this gives him the impression that you’re genuinely concerned about the company. Any effective policy proposals examples generally contain the following parts:

• Introduction This is a brief summary of the proposal which makes mention of the problem, the solution, the costs, and the benefits. You identify your reader and just like in any other type of persuasion, you have to sound convincing. It will greatly help if you know the ways to appeal to the audience. To succeed in this, you should know who will read your proposal. Also, find out who decides if it should get denied or accepted. Expound on issues that you care about and use benefits and language that will resonate with your audience.
• Issue An issue is also referred to as the subject, main argument, purpose, background information, importance, and problem. It should answer the following questions: Who gets affected by the proposal? What’s your reason for writing the proposal? Give your explanation about the present situation including the issues associated with it.
• Solution The main definition of a solution in the context of a proposal includes your step-by-step plan, the benefits, and how to overcome any potential obstacles should they occur. You can also include here your required personnel if any. Their expertise and experience can add an element of persuasion to your proposal.
• Qualifications List down an overview of the personnel required to successfully implement the policy proposal.
• Conclusion of the benefits and costs and the wrap-up Explain in this final part on how you can balance the cost of the project against the benefits. This is the last chance you can reinforce your point so you might as well reiterate the main argument and purpose. Create a breakdown of the projected cost to use for each element of your project. Also, include a breakdown of the benefits of the project to the company or organization both non-monetary and monetary. This can convince the reader that there is a return of investment.

Finally, don’t forget to thank the reader for giving you the time to present your proposal. Also, provide them with your contact information. Make sure that this information is very clear so they can recognize the details easily.

Policy Proposals Samples

Tips for writing your policy proposal

Typically, there are two outcomes when it comes to policy proposals namely effectiveness and efficiency. Making changes to a certain setup can be a difficult undertaking but writing facts in an official document is an excellent way to present your case. In every policy proposal template, there’s always an attempt to deal with a problem.

The document also includes a description of how to solve or change such a problem. Knowing beforehand the necessary requirements and the steps to follow makes writing effective policy proposals examples easier. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Do research It’s always necessary to research so you can gather facts that to use in your proposal. What you should consider is any factual information as this adds credibility to what you’re proposing. Facts support the change you propose and you can use them to highlight the faults of the existing policies.
• Come up with a description of the problem As stated, start the proposal by identifying the issue and how this affects your audience. For instance, there’s a certain office practice or policy that you believe isn’t effective or hinders the efficiency of employees. Mention this in your proposal. If you have an issue with the findings of some research, explain your reasons against such and explain why.
• Come up with a proposed solution If you’re making a proposal, follow this up with your proposed solution as well as your implementation plans. For instance, on the issue of working remotely, you can make an outline of the rules to apply to home workers. Also, make an outline on how to monitor these employees.
• Present all of the facts Always make sure that what you present in your proposal are facts and not hearsay. You can draw these from scientific research that other companies and organizations have successfully followed in their new policy. You can also cite other credible sources to support your arguments. For instance, you can do some research on other companies which have successfully implemented the remote workplace concept. Include in your proposal the employee satisfaction and cost savings numbers in that company. If you need to present this with visual aids to explain better your proposal, then, by all means, do so.
• Wrap up your policy proposal template At the end of your proposal, write a brief conclusion that’s concise and limited to only one or two paragraphs. Here, you make a recap of all the information you’ve taken up in your proposal.
• Cite all of your sources It’s professional and courteous to make a write-up of all the sources you used for your document’s factual information. Also, include a bibliography page for all of the research you had used as sources in your proposal.

Check your policy proposal template before submitting

Make sure that your document is error-free. Clear writing is your best friend when you try to write persuasively. Before submitting the final draft of your proposal, make a few checks:

• Eliminate technical terms and jargon Jargon may be popular in business but not all people share the same love for these terms. Confusing terms may have some special meaning for you but using simpler words helps people understand you better.
• Avoid using a passive voice Avoid using a passive voice when expressing something which you can express in much simpler terms. A passive voice often sounds distant or even deceptive. Adding unnecessary words can obscure your point too.
• Proofread your proposal There are many applications that could help in proofreading your proposal. Grammarly is one of the most popular. This tool can pick up anything that looks grammatically incorrect and can even warn you about phrases which are stylistically poor. Sloppy grammar and spelling discredits the value of your proposal and can even lead to the proposal getting rejected.

More Templates

Cover Page Templates

Construction Proposal

Work From Home Policy

Policy and Procedure Templates

Policy Brief Templates

Security Policy Templates

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INSTITUTE FOR POLICY RESEARCH

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Trending Policy Topics

Elections and Democracy

Conversations About Race and Racism

Universal Pre-K

Policing and Violence

Climate and Environment

Policy Proposal

Proposal maker.

Policies are set for a given purpose, mainly to maintain peace and order in a given organization. The society we live in faces numerous issues in terms of bullying, harassment, and security proposal . These issues have been a major problem that just keeps getting worse over the years. In the workplace, such issues are not taken lightly.

Policy Proposal Example

• Google Docs

Size: A4, US

New Policy Proposal

Size: 209 KB

Policy Change

Size: 55 KB

This is why company policies are made. Those who go against these policies are likely to be subjected to sanctions and other disciplinary action plans . This is done in order to promote a safe and peaceful work environment for all.

Public Policy Sample Proposal

Size: 401 KB

Health Policy Proposal

Size: 77 KB

Environmental Proposal Sample

Size: 563 KB

How to Write a Policy Proposal?

A policy proposal is considered to be an attempt to address a given problem. The proposal template must identify how a problem affects an entity and what could be done to resolve this.

In order to create a proposal , you need to gather the facts. Any supporting information that proves to be credible for your proposal must be included. Next, you need to specify the problem, determine the affected audience, and propose a solution. For instance, you want to address the use of cellular phones in the workplace. It’s possible that such device could hinder an employee from carrying out tasks effectively. You need to prove this hypothesis with hard facts. This could be based on survey statistics or scientific studies. Providing alternative solutions is also recommended. Again, you must be able to prove how such solution will be of help.

Policy Proposal Tips

• Make sure that it’s important. It’s easy to claim that something is a problem but it’s difficult to prove that it is. The topic that you choose to address should have a significant impact on its audience.
• Be specific. If you want to address a company’s current dress code policy, then stick to that. Focus only on what you want to address and avoid covering other points that are not relevant to your central purpose.
• Allow your audience to understand your purpose. The thing about policies is that there will always be people against it. To avoid conflict, let your readers understand views from your perspective. Express the need for such policy and how they can benefit from it.

Security Proposal

Size: 32 KB

HR Policy Sample Proposal

Size: 165 KB

Policy Paper Proposal

Size: 113 KB

How to Write a Social Policy Proposal?

A social policy centers on the protection of a human being’s social welfare. This caters to every individual of a society, including men and women of all ages and walks of life. Those of certain walks of life, specifically those who suffer from various illnesses or disabilities, are also given much attention to. The steps in writing a social policy proposal is no different from the professional proposal .

The difference lies in the study done in order to prove the need for such. The research proposal conducted to develop the proposal typically involves theories and evidence drawn from a wide range of disciplines in social science. This includes psychology, sociology, philosophy, law and the like. Furthermore, it’s necessary to set the appropriate terms for your solution, specifically the scope that it would cover.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Generate a proposal for a new school recycling program

Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.