This proposal
builds upon our current BASIC project, "The Determinants of Social
Acceptability of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs) for Bioremediation."
This work centers on developing Public Acceptance of Controversial Technologies
(PACT), a generic model of constituency group dialogs on GEMs acceptability.
Although developed specifically for GEMs, PACT theoretically is applicable
to the range of bioremediation strategies. PACT is structured along
three dimensions. The first dimension, the decision-rule continuum,
describes the dynamics of multi-constituency group dialog. The second
dimension consists of constituency groups' values, motivations, and
strategies, within the general context of bioremediation. The third
dimension encompasses specific attributes of bioremediation strategies
relative to other remediation technologies, within the physical and
cultural context of the communities in which cleanup is taking place.
We propose
a three-year effort to enhance PACT's accuracy and robustness significantly
as well as improve its practical usefulness. Year 1: analyze constituency
groups' attributes and dialog processes through records of actual dialogs,
interviews, small-group sessions, and a workshop. Year 2: analyze attributes
of bioremediation technologies and the locations in which remediation
will take place. Year 3: transfer and adapt the body of knowledge constituting
the PACT Model into a practical working context, useful for improving
the productivity of the bioremediation dialog process and promoting
issue resolution. Research products will include peer-reviewed publications,
presentations at professional meetings, non-academic publications and
presentations, and a continuing communication forum within which our
research findings can be transmitted, demonstrated, and used to enhance
the productivity of bioremediation dialogs.