Using Visual Scales in Researching Global Human Dimensions of Wildlife

Abstract

Cross-cultural research in the human dimensions of wildlife brings methodological, epistemological, and logistical challenges. This article reviews two measurement tools that begin to address cross-cultural measurement issues in global human dimensions of wildlife research: the visual scale and visual aid. We discuss (a) our experience field-testing these two tools in two different human dimensions of wildlife management contexts and (b) strengths and limitations associated with cross-cultural tools for human dimension research. One area for capacity building in human dimensions is cross-cultural measurement. Tools herein may be adapted or serve as a baseline on which to evaluate other cross-cultural tools.

Keywords:

• cross-cultural research
• data collection
• human–wildlife conflict
• Madagascar
• methods
• Namibia