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Bias and the Method Mix – The techniques we select can have an influence on the results we obtain; over-reliance on documentary consultation can cause distortion
Consultation papers are in danger of being too PR-driven.
Recent examples arriving at Institute offices have been the usual mixed bag of plain and glossy, but if there is a trend, it seems to be towards spending more on presentation. In one way this is to be welcomed. If we want stakeholders and the general public to take the exercise seriously, we owe it to them to present the arguments professionally and attractively. Better design should lead to more reader-friendly publications, and this, in turn should encourage more and better responses.
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Rhion Jones
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