Finding a balance between meaningful and useful participation by improving information provision

Assessing the effectiveness of information provision approaches in participatory value evaluation on empowering participants to give informed input on urban climate adaptation projects

Master thesis (2020)

Authors

S.J.J. Nouws Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

N. Doorn Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM (supervisor 2)
J.S. Timmermans Policy Analysis - TPM (supervisor 2)
N. Mouter Transport and Logistics - TPM (supervisor 2)
A.V. Itten Organisation & Governance - TPM (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2020 Sem Nouws
Participatory Value Evaluation Public Participation Information provision Mixed methods
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

07-08-2020

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

Participatory Value Evaluation (PVE) is a webtool-based participation method that is used to increase participation by others than the usual suspects. In PVE, respondents are asked to allocate a budget or points to a portfolio of projects that reflect real policy options, therewith evaluating the projects by stating their preferences. However, the provision of information in PVE on complex subjects such as urban climate adaptation still is characterized by some problems such as susceptibility by framing, misinterpretation and self-selection. In other words, information provision often does not comply with wishes and needs of participants. In this research, two information provision approaches are tested in PVE in an information manipulation experiment. From the research both quantitative as qualitative results are obtained, analysed by using a mixed methods approach. It is observed that the tested information provision approaches do not affect the choices made in PVE or participants’ feeling of empowerment. Moreover, it appears that the wishes and needs for information in PVE vary widely between participants. It is concluded that this heterogeneity should be the starting point in designing information provision. Deliberative participation and progressive disclosure of information are ways to accomplish this. It is recommended to apply these approaches in PVE in future research.