On the PolicyOptions Wiki, you will now find a longer set of guidelines and help for carrying out the public policy research process and creating an issue brief.  Below is an outline for that to get you started with research.

Part 1:  Identifying a research area or topic

Overview

Start with a basic understanding of CBR

Working with partners vs. working with broad interests

UC Berkeley Case Study

Negotiating the process

Characteristics of effective research topics

Mechanics for making this work

Part 2: Developing a focus and goal statement

Overview

Elements in the process

Characteristics of effective goal statements

Example goal statements

Characteristics of less effective goal statements

Using problem vs. goal statements

Part 3:  Strategies for research

Overview

Local research (partners)

On campus visits (professors & departments)

Off campus visits (partners & experts)

Telephone calls

Newspaper

City & county government

Library

Think tanks/policy research groups

Internet

National research (non-profits)

Best sources: articles and books

Part 4:  Summarizing past policy and programs

Past policy overview and components

            Key milestones

            Legislative history

            Funding history

            Evaluation history

Part 5:  Summarizing current policy & program models

            Methodology & analytical frameworks

Using a matrix

            Using a planning tree

            Matrix vs. planning tree

Policy Options (for each articulated option)

            Summary

            Goal

            Cost

            Means

            Evaluation

Feedback/checking with partners/constituents/instructors

Common pitfalls

Mechanics (meetings, writing, sources)

Part 6:  Putting it all together in an issue brief (sample)

Goal Statement

Scope of the Issue

Past Policy

Current Policy

Options/models (with full description of each option)

Glossary

Key Organizations/individuals

Resources

Part 7:  Publicly presenting the work

Documenting (using the wiki)

Common products

Meetings with partner

Public forums

Citations/listing resources/bibliographies

Glossary of terms

Follow up

Part 8:  Other tips for faculty/administrators

Course structure/project structure

Requirements (units/credit)

Using teams

Preparing students/skills to reinforce

Advisors & instructors

Integrating community partners

Stipends & rewards

Managing student research

The option of recommendations

The paper/product itself (writing style, elements, characteristics)

Points of feedback

Presenting products

Evaluation & assessment

Sample courses

Sample syllabi