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
S.J.J. Nouws (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
N Doorn – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)
JS Timmermans – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Policy Analysis)
N. Mouter – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
A. Itten – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Organisation & Governance)
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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.