Internal and External Influences on Water Resource Decision Making

Abstract

As scarcity of water intensifies due to population growth and climatic changes, the public will become increasingly aware of the ramifications and need for solutions to water shortages. To sustain further human development, water resources will need to be conserved and traded through changes in public policy. Such policies will undoubtedly involve scientific experts but also laypersons who may have little understanding of water science. This article investigates the factors that influence the decision-making processes of nonscientists when making natural resource decisions. Public participants were given a water resource decision in which they had to choose between two possible solutions. The only variable that changed between participant groups was the visual style in which information was presented. Verbal protocols were analyzed to extract the cognitive factors that influenced their decision. In addition to differences based on visual style, personal values such as appreciation for aquatic culture, environment, and agriculture emerged.

Keywords:

• communication
• environmental attitude and concerns
• interviews
• public involvement and collaboration
• water resources