Discursive evaluation of water recycling

Authors

Gregory R. Hampton, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

34525

Publication Details

Hampton, G. R. (2010). Discursive evaluation of water recycling. Qualitative Research Journal, 10 (2), 65-81.

Abstract

This study provides details on the development of a qualitative approach to the assessment of public evaluation of water recycling schemes. The approach involved the presentation to a small group of information and audiovisual material on the water cycle and wastewater treatment followed by the use of focus group style questioning to elicit discussion and questioning of the material. Qualitative analysis, based on a discursive method of evaluation, was used to assess dialogue in the groups, and it was concluded that participants used the context of the local scheme to assess their use of recycled water and consider extending the application of recycled water to more personal uses. Participants also tended to use item evaluation rather than category evaluation of water recycling. Agreement responses within workshops also influenced the discourse of evaluation of water reuse.