Reflections on Policy Research
- Susanne Shomali
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Source: Methods for Policy Research: Taking Socially Responsible Action by Ann Majchrzak and M. Lynne Markus
Ten years ago, I was deep into policy work, managing programs, advising on national strategies and framing policy research across sectors and countries. At the same time, I was training young people on learning to unlearn their biases and assumptions. Funny enough, I found myself in the same position. I realized I had never really questioned what I had learnt and in that particular situation, how I managed policy research for years. I thought I was well trained on it. Unlearning what I knew was not easy. Luckily, Professor Scott, my Policy Research instructor during my Master’s, went the extra mile to help me, and believe me that was not easy for both of us. With her support, I kept trying and trying and trying until I got it right. Yes :)
One of the key tools introduced in that class is the Policy Problem Change Wheel, a tool that helps break down complex policy issues by asking 6Ws (see photo). This framework helps researchers stay clear and focused, without making the research too broad or trying to answer many questions at once. The W question I found most difficult to apply is the What Not. It means clearly stating, early on, what the research will not cover, right after explaining what it will cover. This step sets boundaries so readers understand the focus and limitations and avoid confusion or disappointment when expecting answers outside the research scope. It also prevents a common situation where the readers questions our findings just because we did not cover what they were hoping to see. If we ask people to learn and unlearn, then our research should do the same!
Are you familiar with the Policy Problem Change Wheel? Do you include the What Not in your research? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you, Professor Carol Scott Leonard, for your patience and support on this journey. I am passing it on ;)
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