Deliberative research

Deliberative research focuses upon participants' viewpoints after they have
been presented with the opportunity to 'deliberate' the issue(s) in question
(as opposed to traditional qualitative methods that seek to understand
current viewpoints). The sessions which usually take the form of an extended workshop, present a range of information and encourage differing points of view and perspectives to be presented, before considered decisions are finally sought. It can be a useful approach for policy consultations as it allows the public to be involved in decision-making that incorporates a wide range of viewpoints and ideas.