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The richness and complexity of the deliberative framework often poses difficulties for empirical researchers trying to pin down concrete variables and generate testable hypotheses. The current paper proposes a piecemeal approach to studying deliberation by focusing on the episodes that constitute the whole and following the course of the effects more carefully. Using data from a 2001 Australian National Deliberative Poll, we examined the effect of encountering ethnically and attitudinally different outgroup members (i.e., Aboriginal Australians) in a small group discussion setting. Contact with Aboriginals in the small groups cultivated a better understanding of the Aboriginals' current situation, and resulted in greater support for pro-Aboriginal policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]