Public engagement in prioritizing research proposals: A case study
Date
2014
Authors
Smith, Cobi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage Open
Abstract
Australia has reflected an international shift toward public participation in governance and science. Researchers have critiqued
this shift as insufficient. Meanwhile, studies of how research funds are allocated also found room for improvement. This
experiment tested a way to add value to the effort researchers put into research proposals by using them for deliberative
public engagement. Three Australian events tested a model of deliberative participation in decision-making about science
funding. These events were shorter than most deliberative processes, based on a model tested in the United Kingdom.
Although recruitment was aimed at broad representation, participants had more formal education than Australia’s average.
Voting decisions were most influenced by potential benefits to society of the planned research, as well as participants’
understanding of plans presented. Some reported that their decisions were influenced by whether benefits would happen
locally. Results suggested that participants’ voting decisions were more influenced by the research plans than who presented
them. However, unconscious biases cannot be ruled out as factors in decision-making. Participants reported they would be
keen to participate in such a process again; however, this enthusiasm was linked to a meal incentive. The impact of brevity
on deliberative decision-making is discussed, along with potential modifications for future experiments.
Description
Keywords
public participation, deliberative, engagement, decision-making, science, policy, funding, allocations, agricultural science, Australia
Citation
Collections
Source
Sage Open, 4 (2014)
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
Downloads
File
Description