IPPSR is MSU’s new hub for public policy information and research. Search our summaries of scientific research with implications for public policy by inputting keywords in the search box or selecting options from the menus below.
You are here
Policy Research
Direct-to-consumer Auto Sales: It’s not just about Tesla
Marina Lao, Debbie Feinstein, Francine Lafontaine
May 2015
Although written by the directors of the Office of Policy Planning, Bureau of Competition, and Bureau of Economics this article does not necessarily represent the view of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The authors argue that competition, not regulation, should determine how and what consumers purchase. Arguing for the end to protectionist policies such as auto franchising laws, the authors believe that auto sales should not be limited by regulations (auto franchising laws). States should allow customers to choose not only the cars they buy, but also how they buy them. The authors believe that changing the laws incrementally, such as in New Jersey, is not the answer. Instead of allowing companies such as Tesla Motors to open only a few outlets under exceptions in the laws, the laws should be scrapped altogether. In Michigan the state government has taken a step in the opposite direction. Instead of amending laws to allow manufacturer to consumer sales they have doubled down on the franchise laws. Although the Governor welcomes a “healthy, open discussion.” The authors conclude that consumers would be better served if the method of distribution were left to manufacturers and consumers, not enshrined in law.
Results of 2015 University of Michigan Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Misconduct
June 2015
Sexual miscount is a difficult subject to gather data on. This survey by the University of Michigan has a strong focus on collecting as much data as possible from as many students as possible with hopes to acquire statics on the issue. The data gathered shows there are instances of sexual misconduct at rates that should bring attention to the issue
Association of American Universities campus survey on sexual assault and sexual misconduct
David Cantor, Bonnie Fisher, Susan Chibnall, Reanne Townsend
September 2015
The study looks at sexual assault and misconduct at many different universities across the nation. This study provides decent statics not only about the rate at which sexual misconducted occurs, but students’ knowledge on the issue and resources they have available.
Improving Low Performing High Schools: Searching for Evidence of Promise
Steve Fleischman , Jessica Heppen
April 2009
The authors of this article look across the country to evaluate how high schools are working to be improved and how the success of these models is being measured. They find that there are some models that show promise, but that there is no solution to fix every problem and that researchers and policy makers should work to together to review what is working how to implement these models.
Franchising and Franchise Law
Howard Yale Lederman
January 2013
This article by the Michigan Bar Journal reviews the history of franchising and the initial reasons franchise laws were enacted. After 1945 when franchising became popular across the nation investors were lured in by enticing promises of large profits. Large power imbalances in the franchisor-franchisee relationship increased the likelihood of fraud and spurred state legislatures to act. Legislation such as the Michigan Franchise Investment Law were enacted to protect franchisees.
Using Suggested Contributions in Fundraising for Public Goods: An Experimental Investigation of the Provision Point Mechanism
Melanie D. Marks, Eric Schansberg, Rachel T.A. Croson
November 1999
suggested contributions on the giving habits of people towards a public good. Due to fiscal stress and lower tax revenues, many state and local governments may utilize voluntary contributions to fund public good projects like parks or libraries. Marks, Schansberg, and Croson find that suggested contributions don’t affect the giving habits if every subject values the public good equally. However, differing values of a public good among subjects are common in the real world. When the value placed on the proposed public good is different to each subject, suggested contributions tend to have an effect on the subjects’ behavior. If applied to the real world, provided suggested contributions could lead to more public good projects getting funded.
Big Five Personality Traits and Responses to Persuasive Appeals: Results from Voter Turnout Experiments
Alan S. Gerber, Gregory A. Huber, David Doherty, Conor M. Dowling, Costas Panagopoulos
December 2012
The researchers use both a survey and a randomized control trial to measure how people who score differently on the “Big Five” personality traits -Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, and Openness - respond to various “Get Out the Vote” (GOTV) messages. They find that voters personality traits shape whether they respond to different types of political appeals. They also find that one trait, “Openness” is significantly linked with much higher ability to be persuaded to vote.
Can Social Information Affect What Job You Choose and Keep? A Field Experiment in the United States
Lucas C. Coffman, Clayton R. Featherstone, Judd B. Kessler
November 2014
The researchers show, through the use of a random control trial, that people can be influence on the decision of whether or not to take a job by subtle information, specifically information about others in their position. A trial group of college graduates were offered a job with Teach for America with a letter including the high percentage of those who were offered and accepted the job the previous year. The trial group was more likely to also accept the job than those graduates in the control group.
Not Too Late: Improving Academic Outcomes for Disadvantaged Youth
Philip J. Cook, Kenneth Dodge, George Farkas, Roland G. Fryer Jr, Jens Ludwig, Susan Mayer, Harold Pollack, Laurence Steinberg
February 2015
Increasingly policymakers are concerned that improving academic performance after adolescence is cost prohibitive, and we should therefore direct funds to interventions at much younger ages. The researchers show through a random trial of male youth on Chicago’s south side that this is not necessarily the case. The trial group received intensive individual instruction and saw very significant improvement in test scores and behavior. The cost was around $2,800 per student, much lower than typically thought is needed to be effective.
When Schools Close
Marisa de la Torre, Julia Gwynne
October 2009
The article looked at 26 schools in Chicago that were considered poor performing or suffered from chronic underutilization. They looked at how students did after migrating to new schools and compared their performance to students who hadn’t moved from similar schools. Overall there was no real negative or positive change in students who moved schools. Some students who went to academically stronger schools noticed a positive change.