Documentary Analysis “Alcohol Minimum Pricing in Scotland”
The assignment asks you to conduct a preliminary analysis of documents or data excerpts related to a topical area in global health and development. First, choose between Topic A (Alcohol Minimum Pricing in Scotland)

Alcohol Minimum Pricing in Scotland
Alcohol problems are a major concern for public health in Scotland, and have become so significant that policy-makers have called for ‘ground-breaking’ measures to address consumption. Given the links between alcohol consumption and harm and evidence that affordability is one of the drivers of increased consumption, addressing price is an important element of any long-term strategy. There is strong international evidence that tackling price – as part of a package of measures, including education and diversion – can help reduce alcohol consumption and related harm. The Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 was passed in June 2012, however it has not yet been implemented due to a legal challenge led by the Scotch Whisky Association.

Instructions for Documentary Analysis
In relation to the topic chosen:
a. Thinking about the context (e.g. historical, political, socio cultural and/or legal) of the draft policy that you have chosen to examine, formulate a research question that you would like to address through a document analysis. Set inclusion/exclusion criteria for documentary sources you would consult to understand the policy or programme context. Using these criteria, identify at least 3 (and up to 5) documents in the public domain that are pertinent to the topic chosen (10 points).
b. Develop a framework for analysis that relates to the context(s) within which the draft policy has been formulated, the content, as well as any relevant processes or events that help you to understand the development of – and public response to – the policy. The framework should specify and elaborate between 3 to 5 key concepts or themes (include sub-themes where appropriate) that you will explore in the documents (15 points).
c. Choose two documents from your list, and use the framework to undertake preliminary content analysis of the documents. Use some form of visual presentation, for example a matrix (table), flowchart, Venn or other diagramme to display and facilitate analysis of the key themes (15 points).
d. Write up your findings. Draw conclusions from your preliminary analysis of the two documents, highlighting key elements of context, content, and processes relevant to the policy development. Include some concluding thoughts on how the document analysis aided your understanding of the topic, and what additional qualitative research you might do to explore one or more of the issues arising further (20 points).
What you need to submit:

a. Research question, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and list of up to 5 documentary sources
b. Framework for content analysis (can be in table form)
c. Visual display of content analysis.
d. Write-up of findings (1200-1500 words)

Criteria for marking:

? Identification of a plausible and relevant research question
? Sourcing of relevant documents
? Soundness of framework that is consistent with research question and operationalises key concepts
? Clarity and usefulness of visual display to illustrate key features of the documents’ content.
? Consistency of conclusions with analysis, and critical reflection on further research required.