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The role of scientific evidence in collective action decision-making

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dc.contributor.authorRoberts, Ryan, author
dc.contributor.authorJones, Kelly, advisor
dc.contributor.authorCottrell, Stuart, advisor
dc.contributor.authorReid, Robin, committee member
dc.contributor.authorCheng, Antony, committee member
dc.contributor.authorDuke, Esther A., committee member
dc.date.accessioned2019-06-14T17:05:51Z
dc.date.available2019-06-14T17:05:51Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractAs our world grows ever more complex, novel forms of governance arise that attempt to manage this complexity. One such governing system is collective action, where multiple stakeholders come together to solve large-scale problems for the benefit of all involved. Collective action is especially prevalent in conservation due to the increased degradation of natural resources, which are often public goods that cross administrative boundaries. Stakeholders whom make collective action decisions typically work with limited resources, and as such it is important they work with adequate information to lead to an increase in efficiency and ultimate success. The growing field of evidence-based conservation highlights this point, which urges practitioners to base their decisions on the best scientific evidence available. The literature repeatedly stresses the importance of information in collective action, yet limited studies exist as to the role of scientific evidence as a specific form of information used in collective action decisions. This dissertation set out to determine this role relative to other factors considered important for success. I drew on the rational decision-making model as a framework for assessing the role of evidence. Using a non-random sample of eight watershed partnerships as a case study, I used a mixed method approach and explored: 1) decision-makers understanding of a specific form of scientific evidence available (Chapter 1), 2) the importance of scientific evidence as a motivation to invest in these watershed partnerships (Chapter 2), and 3) the role of scientific evidence in the partnerships' internal decision-making (Chapter 3). I found that scientific evidence is primarily important to wildfire and forestry specialists regarding decision-making. I also discovered that although evidence is important to internal partnership decision-making, a variety of additional sources of information and other factors that have an equal influence on watershed management exist. The way the watershed partnerships in this study disseminate evidence via outreach strategies was also revealed as a highly important component of success. Synthesizing across these results, I adapted a framework from the literature that incorporates elements of dynamic information pathways that, in conjunction, leads to the long-term success of these eight programs. Some practical considerations for increasing the dissemination and utilization of scientific evidence include translating this type of information into an easily interpretable form and creating web-based tools to organize evidence. Broadly, these results contribute to the collective action literature on the factors necessary in decision-making for the continued endurance of these forms of governance.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierRoberts_colostate_0053A_15335.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/195298
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.titleThe role of scientific evidence in collective action decision-making
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineHuman Dimensions of Natural Resources
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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