A study of visualizing the social expectations from science and technology through Deliberative Polling

Abstract

Back in March 11, 2011, Fukushima nuclear accident occurred. As a result, Japanese people's support for nuclear electricity generation decreased before and after the accident. This created a need for the Japanese government to review existing nuclear policy. The government conducted national dialogue about nuclear electricity with a broad range of people in this reviewing process.

　A national dialogue had three approaches. Public Comment Systems (PCS) and Public Healings (PH) are traditional methods. It is noteworthy that the government adopts Deliberative Polling (DP), a novelty public consultation method.

　Surveys in national dialogue have both merits and demerits. Opinions are collected through Public Comment Systems and Public Healings are likely to be biased. DP participants are not likely to close to the population, but they are given the opportunity to deliberate: to read briefing materials, to discuss with other participants, and to take part in a question-and-answer session with professionals.

　We conclude that DP results were representative of public opinion, and reflected on how these would affect in the revision of the nuclear policy. This indicates that DP is the most useful method of gauging public opinion on science and technology related changes.