OVERVIEW AND MISSION
Issues Deliberation Australia / America (IDA) is a not-for-profit, non-partisan political psychology and public policy think tank. IDA was established to facilitate the conduct and dissemination of high quality research, public consultation, education and public debate on
topical social and public policy issues impacting
Australia, America and the world.
IDA uses a number of leading edge methodologies from other parts of the world for research, public consultation, education and public debate on social and public policy issues. These include: Deliberative Polling®, International AssembliesTM, National AssembliesTM, ‘Future Perfect' ThinkingTM, Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research.
►Deliberative Polling encompasses the full spectrum of research methods, utilising random sample surveys, personal interviews and focus groups to facilitate the informed voice of the people. That informed voice can then inform policy. IDA has conducted Deliberative Polls on whether or not Australia should become a Republic, relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, human rights and constitutional reform.
► Future Perfect Thinking is an innovative method of strategic planning known to enhance the quality and quantity of ideas generated. For example, in 2003, IDA designed and implemented an Economic Growth Summit for the South Australian Government set in 2013.
►National and International Assemblies bring the experts together in order to develop a comprehensive solution set for targeted social and public policy problems. IDA designed and convened the first International Assembly on Managing the Psychology of Fear and Terror in Austin Texas in August 2004. One of the key outcomes of this Assembly was the establishment of the international non-profit organization, Psychology Beyond Borders (PBB). IDA spearheaded this initiative.
►Qualitative and Quantitative research is conducted for all of the above methodologies, both academic and applied. Other leading edge research, for example the cognitive mapping of true believer voters in two countries, exemplifies IDA's commitment to rigorous cutting edge research that can contribute to both the political psychology field, as well as the real life political arena.
IDA is committed to significant public education on findings resulting from the above methodologies. Research findings are disseminated to Members of Parliament, government agencies, the general media, professional organizations and directly to the public through publications, presentations, training programs and other educational forums.
