• Define the problem
• Gather evidence
• Identify causes
• Evaluate a policy
• Develop solutions
• Select best solution
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Using the Internet to Gather Data on Benefits and Costs

The next step is to measure the benefits and costs of your policy. To do this, you will need to:

• Determine the most precise way of measuring each benefits and cost
• Locate online data sources that provide the necessary information

Some benefits and costs can be precisely measured. Benefits and costs involving dollars can be determined and specifically measured over time. The amount of hours and number of people required to carry out a policy can also be measured.

You have already been introduced to statistics. Statistics can be used to measure the consequences, both costs and benefits, of a policy.

Suppose that you are evaluating a policy that was enacted about five years ago. The policy may have been intended to reduce a certain type of crime or increase academic performance in your city. You have already learned that the Internet contains information and data on your social problem. The Internet may also be used to obtain data to assist your benefits and cost evaluation.

• See an example
  
• Worksheet9: "Collecting Information on Benefits and Costs" (MSWORD)
  
• Worksheet9: "Collecting Information on Benefits and Costs" (HTML)

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