Public consultation, Deliberative democracy, Deliberative polling, Public opinion polling
Abstract
Methods for consulting the public are classified according to a scheme that considers the method of selection and the forms of public opinion solicited. The major approaches are considered for their merits and limitations. The methods discussed include self selected forums, polls, discussion groups, citizen juries, conventional polls and Deliberative Polls. Applications are considered from various countries and the contrast between conventional polls and Deliberative Polls is a principal topic.