This thesis examines the application of findings from the social psychological field of procedural justice to public involvement in natural resource decision making. The methodological approach involves examining the literature of each of the fields and developing a synthesis applicable to public involvement. The review of public involvement literature reveals a variety of reasons for involving the public in decision making, but little attention to the effects of procedures on participants. However, a comparison and synthesis of the principle findings of the two disciplines indicates important procedural elements for public participation programs, including (1) procedural justice supports process related goals for public involvement; (2) public participation procedures should be inclusive; (3) public participation procedures should provide for interactive approaches; (4) procedural preferences are situationally specific; (5) decision makers must provide clear justification for their decisions; and (6) decision makers must maintain the appearance of impartiality. These findings lead to a rejection of the positivist ideology that has dominated public involvement literature and the development of a new theory of public involvement that recognizes the importance of both outcomes and procedures. Finally, the thesis discusses issues regarding the application of this theory to public involvement programs, including issues relating to interest groups, non-participants, historical mistrust, the meanings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and measures of fairness.