Objecting to Models: A Typology of Non-experts’ Critiques of Models of Human-Natural Systems

Goodwin, Jean. (2016). Objecting to Models: A Typology of Non-experts’ Critiques of Models of Human-Natural Systems. In Jean Goodwin (Ed.), Confronting the Challenges of Public Participation: Issues in Environmental, Planning and Health Decision-Making (pp. 39-49). Charleston, SC: CreateSpace.

Cooperation between scientists and local stakeholders on building models requires scientists to listen to lay objections. This paper develops a typology of objections based on discourse analysis of a participatory modeling exercise examining causes and potential solutions to flooding in a Midwest watershed. Four principle objections are examined, together with ways scientists can address them.