Introduction to deliberative methods

Date:

10/09/2026 - 11/09/2026

Organised by:

Social Research Association

Presenter:

Sophie Reid

Level:

Entry (no or almost no prior knowledge)

Contact:

Patricia Cornell
training@the-sra.org.uk

video conference logo

Venue: Online

Description:

Deliberative democracy, citizens’ assemblies, public dialogue… you may have heard these terms, but what are deliberative methods all about, how are they distinct from other qualitative research methods and how do you use them?

Deliberative methods are an exciting and distinct set of research and engagement methods. Through these processes, participants go on a journey in which they are given the time, space and structure to learn about the topic and deliberate on it with their peers (often over a period of weeks or months). With the help of expert stimulus, their own lived experience, structured facilitation and a range of perspectives from their fellow participants, these ‘mini-publics’ can tackle some of society’s biggest and most contentious issues, delivering recommendations, priorities, conclusions or messages as a result. Deliberative methods are gaining ever more interest in government as public trust in government and other institutions falls and departments look to involve the public meaningfully in decision-making processes about novel, contentious and complex issues facing society. They require distinct research skills, facilitation approaches and management.

n.b. This course runs over two consecutive days:

Part 1 - 10 September - 10.00 am to 1.30 pm

Part 2 - 11 September - 10.00 am to 1.30 pm

Cost:

£190 for SRA members, £245 for non-members.

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Collection, Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis


Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Collection
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis

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