Inviting to Represent: A Large-Scale RCT on Political Participation

• In Event: Representativity, Inclusion and Legitimacy of Minipublics: Issues and Solutions

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of different invitation methodologies in recruiting citizens for a citizen assembly in Austria, focusing on engaging those who feel politically disenfranchised. Scheduled for autumn 2023, the assembly was designed to develop strategies for future crisis management, initiated by the federal government in response to the Corona pandemic. Approximately 15,000 citizens were selected randomly and invited to participate in one-day moderated discussions in the nine federal states. In the end 360 citizens who responded were selected to participate.
The assembly consisted of nine focus groups, one for each federal state, comprising approximately 32-40 participants. These groups were further divided into smaller groups of around eight individuals, ensuring a diverse socio-demographic representation. The composition of these groups facilitated an examination of variations in openness, political opinions, and attitudes towards vaccination among different socio-economic segments. The groups met for an entire day, alternating between smaller discussions and larger plenary sessions.
The experimental phase was divided into the invitation stage and the citizen assembly stage. During the invitation stage, three treatments—Voice, Experience, and Ideas—were randomly assigned across different demographic groups. These treatments varied in cognitive demand, with the Voice treatment emphasizing the importance of each individual's perspective.
The most notable outcome was that the Voice treatment increased participation by 8% compared to the other treatments. This significant increase highlighted the effectiveness of personalization and empathetic communication in engaging citizens, especially those who feel politically marginalized.
Data was collected before the treatments, during the assembly, and through a reference survey. The primary outcome variable was the acceptance of the invitation to the assembly. Participants responded to a detailed questionnaire at the beginning, end, and two weeks after the assembly, providing insights into trust in institutions, polarization on Corona measures, and concern about polarization. Specific variables were collected at different stages to provide a comprehensive understanding of the participants' perspectives.
An online and telephone survey was conducted among a sample of the Austrian population, mirroring the demographics of the assembly participants. Targeting 2,000 participants aged 18 to 59, this survey allowed for comparisons between the assembly participants and the general population.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into citizen engagement in political processes, highlighting the impact of communication strategies on participation. The findings have significant implications for future citizen assemblies and participatory democratic exercises, particularly in the context of crisis management and policy development.

Author

• Gerhard Riener, University of Southampton