- How to Read a Scholarly Article
- Scholarly "Conversation"
- Writing Policy Briefs
- Writing White Papers
Writing Policy Briefs
What is a policy brief?
A policy brief is a concise account of the findings and recommendations of a research project. The purpose of a policy brief is to convince the target audience of the urgency of the current problem and the need to adopt the preferred alternative or course of action outlined. It is a call for action.
Standard format of a policy brief:
- Executive summary - provide an overview of the issue/topic
- Introduction - explain the significance of the issue
- Approach and results - provide a summary of the facts, describe the issue and context, outline research, describe the current study
- Conclusion - interpretation of data
- Implications and recommendations - discuss what could happen, make recommendations about what should happen, use evidence to support recommendations
Examples
Writing White Papers
What is a white paper?
A white paper is a document used to inform readers on a particular topic/issue with the intention of using authoritative knowledge and research to argue for a specific solution.
Standard format of a white paper
- Abstract - overview of main points
- Problem Statement - explicitly states the issue the paper will address
- Background - provides the reader with the background information needed to become familiar with the issue being presented
- Solution - using the gathered evidence present a solution to the issue
- Conclusion - summarizes major findings
- References - list of sources used
Examples
