1. Community Learning Workshop for WAAPAC Clerks Alisa Hotel, Accra, Ghana November 17-19, 2014 Presented by Issifu Lampo Strategies for Gathering Information for Legislative Research

2. Learning Objectives Define Legislative research Examine strategies for information gathering in legislative research Importance of Legislative research in providing independent sources of information to MPs The need for MPs to have access to Government sources of information for complete picture on issues

3. Learning Objectives Discuss different methods of research as well as skills required by Parliamentary staff to undertake research

4. What is Research? “ Research: Diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover facts or principles.” America College Dictionary, 1964. In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge; and this includes legislative research

5. What is Research? Research is systematic in the sense that it has its own norms and techniques, and its own methods and procedures. Research is conceived as both an activity and as a process grounded in theory. The core of objective of research is to clarify the unclear and to find answers to questions, ultimately adding knowledge and to improving our way of life.

6. What is Research? Research may be seen as a tool for use in the production of knowledge, goods and services

7. Types of Research The broad types of research include: (i) Pure research, which deals with questions that are intellectually challenging but may or may not be practical now or in the future (ii) Applied research, which ultimately is expected to be helpful in solving problems or have practical applications now or in the future, and (iii) Action research, which often has immediate applications and is conducted specifically and find immediate applicable solutions to the problems or issues that are under investigations

8. Application of Research Findings Notwithstanding the form it may take, research, as a concept ought to be regarded not only as a systematic process of learning about physical, technological, political, social, psychological, economic, cultural, or medical aspects of reality, but also as the application of those findings in improving living standards.

9. The Research Process and General ‘’Tools’’ of Research The basic steps of research are: (i) Clear identification of the research problem or question. Define your goal or the problem you want to investigate and spell out your objectives (ii) Formulation of the research design/scope, the scope which involves planning data collection, sample selection, and analysis. The scope of the research will indicate whether the research follows a single law through all its forms and

10. The Research Process and General ‘’Tools’’ of Research related actions, bills, codified statute, administration, regulation, amendments and (possibly) adjudication? Or will your research follow an issue through policy changes and across multiple laws over time? (iii) Data gathering as much information about what already exists and identifying data to be collected, to address the question or problem under investigation;

11. The Research Process and General ‘’Tools’’ of Research (iv) Coding and analysis of the data, which allows the researcher to bring some order into the data collected and bring related data together to make meaning; (v) The final stage involves interpreting the results to reflect the research hypothesis

12. Research Tools The general ‘tools’ of research include: 1. The Library and its resources-one fundamental task that must serve, as the foundation for research is the literature review process. 2. Techniques of Measurement-research requires precision in order to generate findings that are meaningful. There are well-established techniques for measuring quantitative and qualitative research. While the former requires

13. Research Tools sampling techniques to ensure that research findings form numerical analysis are generalized, the latter does not rely on samples, rather on observations, attributes and meaning. 3. Statistics – this relates basically to collecting and classifying numerical data. It is therefore used in quantitative research and very limited extent in qualitative research. Researchers need to be knowledgeable enough in the basics of descriptive statistics, which provide description

14. Research Tools of the sample data such as the mean and inferential statistics (used to infer the truth of falsity of a hypothesis e.g. correlation) in order to carry out basic statistics themselves, and to communicate meaningfully with statisticians when they are needed for the more complicated analysis.

15. Research Tools 4. The Computer and its software-basic skills in using computers and related application is necessary for all professionals. Researchers need computer skills to conduct the literature review process, the data gathering process, and analyzing data and presenting the findings. 5. Clarity of Language- communicating research findings in the right language to the target audience helps to determine the usefulness

16. Research Tools of the information to the consumers. Members of Parliament are such a heterogeneous group that research information must be repackaged with minimum scientific and technical language for it to benefit all people

17. Why Research? MPs seek ways to select goals, design and choose alternatives to achieving the goals, and see that the alternatives are considered. To do this, effectively, they need appropriate, timely and accurate information Having access to up-to-date information is essential in order to highlight policy alternatives and draw attention to policy consequences

18. Why Research? This becomes especially important at the committee level where members carry out in- depth analysis and debate issues Parliamentary staff therefore must have a clear understanding of the information needs of members of parliament, and should possess the requisite research skills to provide independent sources of information on national issues

19. Why Research? Independent research services are essential to supporting the work of parliamentary committee for two reasons: Firstly, while the Executive branch often gets help from large professional staff from MMDAs, the Legislature does not usually benefit from this kind of support Secondly, not to rely solely on the information provided by the Executive but to complement it with independent sources in order to understand

20. Why Research? what the alternatives are, and to have a total picture of every issue before passing laws and making policy choices

21. Sources of Information 1. Government Sources It is important for parliamentary committees to demand that the Executive provide information necessary to enable parliament to monitor key issues and make informed decisions Parliament and its committees must demand annual reports of each Ministry, Independent Auditor General reports and any relevant documents to ensure proper oversight

22. Sources of Information on the Executive’s performance in its roles and responsibilities Parliaments are encouraged to demand from the Executive comprehensive budget performance data and regular reports on the status of implementation of the budget after approval by parliament

23. Broadening Access to Information Budget Documentation – OECD Best Practices A Comprehensive Budget-Performance Data — a medium term projection A Pre-budget Report — a report on long term economic and fiscal policy objectives Monthly Report — a report on the progress in implementation including differences between actual and forecast amounts Mid-year Report — a comprehensive update on implementation of the budget, including updated forecasts and budget outcome for the medium term Year end Report — audited by the audit institution released within six months of fiscal year Pre-election Report — general state of government finances immediately before an election Long Term Report — an assessment of long term sustainability of current government policies Source: OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

24. Sources of Information 2. Independent Sources Parliament need well –resourced libraries and information centres to perform their role Access to independent sources of information is critical for effective parliamentary work US Independent Budget Congressional Office is dedicated to budget issues

25. Research in Parliament Research in parliament involves two distinct groups identified as the producers of information (research staff) and the consumers of the information (MPs) Research staff need effective training in legislative research in order to maximize the accuracy and usefulness of information they produce They must also have skills to present the information in a meaningful form for their target beneficiaries, the consumers

26. Research in Parliament Research information should be repackaged and presented in a meaningful form for use by MPs, as they have little time to review and internalize information due to competing demands on their time

27. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information After the planning phase, begin to research: Locating Useful Resources-when you have a topic and determine your research questions, you conduct preliminary research to stimulate your thinking For how to go about your research: -Interviewing an expert in the field, -analysing the context of popular magazines, few more potential sources

28. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information 2. Using Primary and Secondary Sources: Writers classify research resources in two categories: primary sources and secondary sources. A. Primary sources-are direct, firsthand sources of information or data Other primary sources include: research articles, literary texts and historical documents such as diaries

29. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information B. Secondary sources-discuss, interpret, analyse, consolidate, or otherwise rework information from primary sources. Example, magazine articles, biographical books, literary and scientific reviews etc.

30. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information The topic and purpose determine whether you must cite both primary and secondary sources in your paper. Ask yourself which sources are most likely to provide the information that will answer your research questions

31. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Finding Print Resources - Print resources include a vast array of documents and publications. -Regardless of the topic, you will consult some print resources as part of your research Using Periodicals, Indexes, and Databases -Library catalogs can help you locate book length sources, as well as some types of non-print holdings such as-CDs, DVDs, and audio books

32. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Reading Popular and Scholarship Periodicals -When you search for periodicals, be sure to distinguish among different types. -Mass-market publications such as newspapers and popular magazines, differ from scholarly publications in their accessibility, audience, and purpose

33. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Consulting a Reference Librarian - Sifting through library stacks and database search results to find the information you need can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. - One way to learn better search strategies is to consult a reference librarian. They can help locate particular book in the library stacks.

34. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Finding and Using Electronic Resources - With the expansion of technology and media over the past few decades, a wealth of information is available to you in electronic format - The following are some of the electronic sources you might consult: - (a) online databases - (b) CD-Roms

35. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information -Popular web search engines -Websites maintained by business, university, non- profit organizations, or government agencies -Newspapers, magazine, and journals -E-books -Audio books -Industry blogs -Radio and Television programs -Online discussion group

36. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Using Internet Search Engines Efficiently - when faced with the challenges of writing a research paper, some researchers rely on popular search engines as their first source of information. - unfortunately, despite its apparent convenience, this research strategy has the following drawbacks to consider:

37. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information - Results do not always appear in order of reliability -Results may be too numerous for you to use -Search engines are not connected to the results of the search Using other Information Sources - consider whether you could use a person or group as a primary source. For instance, you might interview a professor who has experience in a particular subject. Interviews can be great way to get firsthand information

38. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Evaluating Research Sources - As you gather sources, you will need to examine them with a critical eye. Smart researchers continually ask themselves two questions: “Is the source relevant to my purpose?”.and “Is this source reliable?” - The first question will help avoid wasting time reading sources that stray too far from your specific topic and research questions.

39. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Evaluating Credibility & Reputation Even when you are using a source that is generally credible, you will need to evaluate the author’s credibility and the publication itself on an individual basis-what career experiences or academic study shows that the author has the expertise to write about the topic

40. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information - The second question will help to find accurate and trustworthy sources Evaluating Credibility and Reputation Even when you are using a type of source that is generally reliable, you will need to evaluate the author’s credibility and the publication

41. Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information Using Current Sources Be sure to seek out sources that are current, or up to date. Depending on the topic, sources may become outdated relatively soon after publications, or remain useful for years Managing Source Information As you determine which sources you will rely on most, it is important to establish a system for keeping track of your sources and taking notes.

42. Conclusion Certain category of skills is required by committee clerks and parliamentary staff in general in order that they can successfully undertake legislative research. These include: 1. Scientific skills-these include the clarification of ideas and the development of standardized procedures for collecting and analyzing data 2. Information structuring skills sharpens the researcher's ability to clarify ideas and examine their correspondence to the real world events

43. Conclusion Creative skills-this involves applying the basics of ‘policy analyses’ to generate relevant information for legislative law making and informing policy choices. Legislative research also involves efficient and effective use of available resources to accomplish research activities. Planning and management skills are as important to legislative research projects as they are to other organizational endeavours The practice of legislative research requires the simultaneous consideration of all the skills mentioned above

44. THANK YOU