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Little Bites of Big Data for Public Policy
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Little Bites of Big Data for Public Policy



March 2017 | 96 pages | CQ Press
“Kettl’s easy-to-read book and various examples of big data application are required reading for seasoned academics as well as for students who work in public administration and want to contribute to real-world problem solving.”
–Junghack Kim, Wichita State University

Little Bites of Big Data for Public Policy
brings to life the quest to make better policy with better evidence. This brief book frames the big puzzles and, through lively stories and clear examples, provides a valuable how-to guide for producing analysis that works—that speaks persuasively to policy makers, in the language they can best hear, on the problems for which they most need answers. Author Donald F. Kettl brings together the cutting-edge streams of data analytics and data visualization to frame the big puzzles and find ways to make the pieces fit together. By taking little bites of a wide variety of useful data, and then by analyzing it in ways that decision makers will find most helpful, analysts can be much more effective in shaping solutions to the most important problems governments face. 

 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Chapter 1: Knowing Better
Doing without Knowing (Everything)

 
The Law of Supply and Demand

 
Making Evidence Speak

 
 
Chapter 2: Get the Story, Get It Right
What Are the Right Questions?

 
What Is a Good Answer?

 
 
Chapter 3: Tell the Story
Filters

 
Seeing Data

 
Making Data Speak

 
 
Chapter 4: Sell the Story
Anecdotes

 
Mediating Information

 
Making the Sale

 
 
Chapter 5: Speak above the Noise
How to Know What We Know

 
Speaking above the Noise

 
 
Index
Key features
KEY FEATURES:
  • The book lays out a framework for thinking about the role that data plays—and how to make it persuasive to busy decision makers.
  • The book contains many rich charts and graphs that demonstrate how data can be presented—and made useful—to supply answers to the problems for which decision makers have powerful demands.
  • The book has a wealth of specific examples and case studies that bring analysis of data to life, in ways that are lively, engaging, and accessible—even for people who don’t think they like data!

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781506383514

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