Abstract
-
Deliberative methods involve ordinary members of the public in a structured process to learn about, discuss, and develop collective solutions to complex social and policy problems. Distinct from approaches to public engagement in which the researcher simply elicits participants’ perspectives or experiences, at the heart of deliberative methods is an exchange of information within and between sponsors and members of the public. Participants undergo a process of education about the problem under consideration, with an emphasis on promoting reason-based dialogue between participants (and with experts, decision-makers, or both) such that they can expand their views through the consideration of the views of others. These features mean that deliberative methods can be used to provide public input to decision-making around social and public policy issues that cannot be resolved solely on the basis of technical information but also require the consideration of public values.