Glossary D
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Data benchmarking |
A form of benchmarking which is a comparison of the consultation output obtained from a range of sufficiently comparable consultation exercises. |
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Decision Window |
A period of time available to prepare for and/or to undertake a decision. |
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Decision-led Consultation |
Where the main objective is to secure a clear decision based upon the best available advice and well-informed contributions from the public or relevant stakeholders. |
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Deliberative Democracy |
1. Deliberative democracy rests on the core notion of citizens and their representatives deliberating about public problems and solutions under conditions that are conducive to reasoned reflection and refined public judgment; a mutual willingness to understand the values, perspectives, and interests of others; and the possibility of reframing their interests and perspectives in light of a joint search for common interests and mutually acceptable solutions. (From the Civic Practices Network ) 2. Deliberative Democracy is "Decision making by discussion among free and equal citizens. The idea that democracy revolves around the transformation rather than simply the aggregation of preferences." (Jon Elster, Deliberative Democracy. 1998, Cambridge University Press.) |
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Deliberative Dialogue |
Deliberative dialogue combines two processes – dialogue and deliberation - in order to create mutual understanding, build relationships, solve public problems, address policy issues, and to connect personal concerns with public concerns. |
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Deliberative Mapping |
Involves both specialists and members of the public and combines varied approaches to assess how participants rate different policy options against a set of defined criteria. |
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Deliberative Opinion Polls |
1.A representative sample of between 100 and 500 members of the public are initially polled to give a baseline opinion. They are then given extra information and views on the topic. At the end of the process they are polled again. See also Opinion Polls 2.Deliberative Polling (a registered technique by The Center for Deliberative Polling , originally at University of Texas and now at Stanford University) is an attempt to use television and public opinion research in a new and constructive way. A random, representative sample is first polled on the issues. After this baseline poll, members of the sample are invited to gather at a single place to discuss the issues. Carefully balanced briefing materials are sent to the participants and are also made publicly available. The participants engage in dialogue with competing experts and political leaders based on questions they develop in small group discussions with trained moderators. Parts of the weekend events are broadcast on television, either live or in taped and edited form. After the weekend deliberations, the sample is asked the same questions again. The resulting changes in opinion represent the conclusions the public would reach, if people had a good opportunity to become more informed and more engaged by the issues. |
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Deliberative Public Engagement |
An approach to decision-making that allows participants to consider relevant information, discuss the issues and options and develop their thinking together before coming to a view. It can include Citizens’ Juries and Citizens’ Panels as well as large scale meetings such as Citizens’ Summits. |
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Delphi Technique |
A technique for gathering data that is similar to focus groups. Its value is that, unlike focus groups, Delphi groups do not have to physically meet, so it is a method of generating ideas and facilitating consensus among individuals who have special knowledge to share, but who are not always in contact with each other. A Delphi study carefully selects individuals who have knowledge necessary to analyse a specific problem. Initially, the participants do not interact with each other. Through the efforts of one facilitator, who serves as a clearinghouse, the panellists see and react to each other’s ideas through a series of surveys, and they share and generate new ideas based on an emerging consensus among the panel members. |
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Democs |
A conversation game enabling small groups to discuss public policy issues. No speakers or experts are needed, as pre-prepared cards convey the necessary facts. Works best for six people over a couple of hours. See New Economics site |
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Demographics |
The characteristics of human populations and population segments. |
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Desk Research |
The identification and analysis of information that has already been compiled and published in some form or other. This type of information is known as “secondary” because it already exists as opposed to “primary” which would require a survey or research study to produce new data. |
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Dialogue Management |
The process of organising the interaction between consultors and consultees. |
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Dialogue Mapping |
The process of visually recording and posting all of the various ideas, perspectives, concerns and questions that arise in a dialogue as they emerge. This process helps participants continue to reflect on the "larger picture" that is emerging through the contributions of all of the various participants. It can be done in a low-tech manner, with chart paper and markers, or using high-tech equipment. (Rosa Zubizarreta, Co-Intelligence Institute ) |
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Dialogue Methods |
Different techniques of interaction between consultors and consultees - there are many recognised methods. |
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Dialogue Mix |
The combination of dialogue methods selected for use in a particular consultation exercise |
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Digital Divide |
The gap between those who have access to forms of new technology, particularly the Web, and those who do not. |
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DigiTV |
Digital TV (or DigiTV) is the technology that allows a Local Authority to publish content and create interactive services on Sky, Virgin Media, mobile phone platforms as well as kiosks |
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Direct decision making |
Where the participants of a consultation are themselves are empowered to take the decisions. |
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Directory |
See Consultation Directory |
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Discovery Interview |
A way to explore the impact of illness on patients’ everyday lives during each stage of their journey through the healthcare system and to assess how well the system has met their needs. |
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Discussion Forum |
See eDiscussion Forum |
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Discussion guide
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Also known as a topic guide, this is an outline of key issues and areas of questioning used to guide a qualitative interview or group discussion. Such guides vary greatly in level of detail and in how flexibly they are applied - some use 'discussion guide' to refer to a more structured form, and 'topic guide' to refer to a looser, more open form |
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District Circles
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Similar to a Citizens’ Panel but usually composed of fewer people and specifically represents the age and gender structure of the area as shown by the latest census. |
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Diversity Forums |
Used to promote multicultural understanding in gender, age, religion, lifestyle, belief, physical capability, and culture, and to improve strategies for managing workplace diversity effectively. |
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Documentary Consultation
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The practice of publishing and circulating a consultation paper (normally containing a consultation narrative) and inviting responses, comments or answers to questions, from stakeholders or the general public. Notes:
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