Deliberative Lab Communication Introduction

What is Deliberative Lab Communication and Why Use It?

Deliberative Lab Communication (DLC) is a way to incorporate discussion of ethical issues in research into the routine daily life of the lab, tied to the work that lab members are doing. This makes it personal, relevant, and real, as opposed to more theoretical and delivered by outside experts as through Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) courses.

Research shows that using this framework for lab conversations leads to participants gaining a deeper understanding of and appreciation for specific topics, including authorship and data management.

A facilitator using the DLC framework seeks to elicit respectfully and inclusively the perspectives of everyone around a specific topic or practice related to the ethical dimensions of research, using a minimally structured format for the discussion. ^{[1] [8]}  The focus is on the process as opposed to any given outcome or consensus. These conversations need not be long (usually 60-90 minutes) and can focus on a variety of focused topics that are relevant to researchers in a lab environment.

Using DLC helps lab groups to talk among themselves have an intentional conversation about the standards that guide specific practices in their lab, or to explore important ethical dimensions of their research; the facilitator is not an expert who comes in to tell them how to handle any given issue. The role of the facilitator is to help the group work through issues discuss their practices from the neutral perspective of someone not embedded in the research group.

The responsible, ethical practice of research requires researchers to give reasons and justifications for their actions, both to the other members of their research team as well as to external audiences. By engaging in deliberative communication, lab members get to practice this skill, improving communication and understanding of ethical issues in the day-to-day research environment. Many consider a lab participating in a deliberative lab conversation to qualify as in-person RCR education.

The Theory of Deliberative Communication

The deliberative lab communication approach stems from the political theory of deliberative democracy. Its premise is that decisions should be reached through intentional, collective deliberation on issues, with core features of inclusion, justification, reciprocity, and equality among citizens rather than by uses of power. ^[2] It can be understood as “an endeavor to ensure that each individual takes a stand by listening, deliberating, seeking arguments, and evaluating, while at the same time there is a collective effort to find values and norms on which everyone can agree.” ^[3] 

Deliberative communication offers a way to address substantive disagreements productively and equitably. They need not result in agreement or consensus; recognizing areas of disagreement, and commitments to continued discussion are part of the deliberative process. ^[4] [10]  Encouraging participation from everyone is one of the core tenets of deliberative communication. ^[5]

The goal of deliberative lab conversations is to achieve equal participation and collective engagement and understanding by:

• Giving everyone a chance to speak, especially those who are often marginalized or under-represented,
• Encouraging everyone to listen and learn, especially those in positions with more power, 
• Acknowledging the right and the responsibility of group members to be involved in discussing the work of the lab,
• Asking individuals to explain their reasoning for statements or practices, and
• Finding common ground between group members, or acknowledging when there isn't.