Dahinden

Public understanding of science vs. public participation in science: Competing or complementing approaches?: 

Public understanding of science vs. public participation in science: Competing or complementing approaches? Dr. Urs Dahinden, Department of Communication, University of Zurich, Switzerland Presentation at th 6th International Conference on Public Communication of Science and Technology February 1 - 3, 2001, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland

Overview: 

Overview The problem: increasing distance between science and society Two competing views on the problem: 1) Deficit model: Lack of public understanding 2) Democracy model: Lack of public participation Empirical case study: Energy policy Conclusions

The problem: 

The problem Science and Society: increasing distance and alienation Paradox: Science is more and more influential, but decreasingly accepted Case studies: Nuclear Power Biotechnology BSE (Mad Cow Disease)

View 1: Deficit model Lack of public understanding: 

View 1: Deficit model Lack of public understanding Problem analysis: Velocity and complexity of modern science is too much for non-experts Cultural lag (Osgood): Scientific and technical developments are so fast that culture is laging behind Remedy: Promoting public understanding (knowledge) of science by “Science Public Relations” (e.g. Science Museums, Science Events, Science Journalism etc.)

View 2: Democracy modelLack of public participation: 

View 2: Democracy model Lack of public participation Problem analysis: Science is not misunderstood, but distrusted Science as a powerful, but not neutral institution (speaking truth to power) with vested interests (due to sponsoring by government and industry) Remedy: Less technocracy, more democracy (more transparency) Developing procedures of public participation in science

Deliberative procedures of public participation: 

Deliberative procedures of public participation Consensus Conferences Participatory Technology Assessment Citizen Juries (planing cells) Integrated Assessment Focus Groups Deliberative polls

Common features of these public participation procedures : 

Common features of these public participation procedures involvement of normal citizens access to expertise discussion, deliberation policy recommendation function: synthesis of societal values with scientific knowledge microcosmos of social learning link to the public debate necessary

Phases in a public participation project: 

Phases in a public participation project 7. Impact 5. Realisation 2. Definition 3. Design 4.Prepa-rationon 6. Follow-Up Ongoing Social Debate 1. Initiation

Developmental Stages in Risk Communication: 

Developmental Stages in Risk Communication 1. All we have to do is to get the number right. 2. All we have to do is tell them the number 3. All we have to do is explain them what we mean by the numbers 4. All we have to do is to show them that they've accepted similar risks in the past 5. All we have to do is show them that it's a good deal for them 6. All we have to do is to treat them nice 7. All we have to do is to make them partners 8. All of the above Source: Fischhoff, B. (1995): Risk Perception and Communication Unplugged: Twenty Years of Process. In: Risk Analysis 15, 2 p. 138

Empirical Data: Focus groups on energy policy : 

Empirical Data: Focus groups on energy policy 24 Focus groups (10 German, 6 French, 8 Italian in the respective regions of Switzerland) 140 persons Representative with regard to age and political orientation

Input 1 for focus groups: energy consumption goals: 

Input 1 for focus groups: energy consumption goals 121%: Business-as-usual 95%: Stabilisation 33% Substantial reduction   (100%= actual energy level)

Input 2: for focus groups:  Means in energy policy: 

Input 2: for focus groups: Means in energy policy Information: Permanent education, moral suasion Regulation: Energy consumption standards for engines Energy quotas for individuals Economic Instruments CO2-tax: Moderate price increases for fossil energy Energy tax: Substantial price increases on all non-renewable energy sources Energy permits: Special stock exchange for energy permits

Structure of discussion, data: 

Structure of discussion, data • Welcome, Questionaire 1 • Discussion about goals in energ policy, including collage • Discussion about means in energy policy • Questionaire 2 • Consensus development • Questionaire 3, end of discussion • Data: Quantitative: Individual attitudes (t1, 2), collective decisions (t3)

Findings: Rationality of citizen recommendations: 

Findings: Rationality of citizen recommendations Rationality indicator : consistency between energy consumption goals and means Finding: Increasing rationality of the citizen recommendations

Conclusions (1): 

Conclusions (1) Public understanding and public participation: Complements, rather than competitors Part 1: Why the deficit model needs the democratic model Increasing public understanding requires the subjective feeling of being actively involved (as a citizen or as a consumer) Learning is most intense in phases of conflict (knowledge gap model)

Conclusions (2) : 

Conclusions (2) Part 2: Why the democratic model needs the deficit model Promoting the understanding of science: A necessary, but not sufficient element of all public participation procedures Public participation a way of providing equal access to scientific expertise

Conclusion (3): 

Conclusion (3) Paradise is lost: No way back to the times of unquestioned, blind trust in science Public participation procedures: promising, but not yet well understood for developing a new new role for science: Science not anymore the neutral and powerful judge but a partner in the dialogue Further research needed Public participation procedures (how to do it) Evaluation (requirements and impacts) Theoretical reflection in the social and natural sciences: New models of the science-society interaction