How can you evaluate the impact of a public policy using data?

• A. By relying solely on anecdotes.
• B. By comparing before/after data and using credible sources.
• C. By examining outcomes, comparing before/after data, and using credible sources and statistics to assess effectiveness.
• D. By ignoring data and relying on opinions.

Answer: (C)

Evaluating the impact of a public policy with data means looking at measurable results the policy is supposed to affect and using evidence to judge whether those results changed in the intended direction. The best approach combines three elements: identify the outcomes the policy targets, compare data from before and after the policy’s implementation to see what changed, and use credible sources and statistics to determine whether the observed changes are real and meaningful. This helps separate genuine effects from random fluctuation or bias, and it shows whether the policy achieved its goals.

Relying only on anecdotes isn’t reliable because stories aren’t representative of the whole population. Ignoring data and relying on opinions isn’t evidence-based. A solid evaluation uses outcomes, before/after data, credible sources, and statistics to assess effectiveness.