Some Observations on Alternative Mechanisms for Public Involvement: The Hearing, Public Opinion Poll, the Workshop and the Quasi-Experiment

Abstract

A comparison of several alternative mechanisms for public involvement focuses on citizen involvement in a specific project or policy. Two factors in natural resource-related decisions which reduce the level of trust and lead to an increased demand for public participation are the variety of potentially conflicting uses of a natural resource and the rapid change in public values associated with the environmental crisis. For effective citizen involvement, individuals should represent all groups affected, be well-informed, use interactive techniques, and rely upon actual experience and behavior. Neither the public hearing, pool, workshop, or quasi-experiment is without flaws, but the latter two hold the most promise.