Tools and methods in participatory modeling: Selecting the right tool for the job

Abstract

Various tools and methods are used in participatory modelling, at different stages of the process and for different purposes. The diversity of tools and methods can create challenges for stakeholders and modelers when selecting the ones most appropriate for their projects. We offer a systematic overview, assessment, and categorization of methods to assist modelers and stakeholders with their choices and decisions. Most available literature provides little justification or information on the reasons for the use of particular methods or tools in a given study. In most of the cases, it seems that the prior experience and skills of the modelers had a dominant effect on the selection of the methods used. While we have not found any real evidence of this approach being wrong, we do think that putting more thought into the method selection process and choosing the most appropriate method for the project can produce better results. Based on expert opinion and a survey of modelers engaged in participatory processes, we offer practical guidelines to improve decisions about method selection at different stages of the participatory modeling process.

Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
Alexey Voinov, University of Technology Sydney
Karen Jenni, US Geological Survey
Steven Gray, University of Massachusetts Boston
Nagesh Kolagani, Centurion University of Technology and Management
Pierre D. Glynn
Pierre Bommel, CIRAD
Christina Prell, University of Maryland
Moira Zellner, Northeastern University
Michael Paolisso, University of Maryland
Rebecca Jordan, Rutgers University
Eleanor Sterling, AMNH
Laura Schmitt Olabisi, Michigan State University
Philippe J. Giabbanelli
Zhanli Sun
Christophe Le Page
Sondoss Elsawah, University of New South Wales
Todd K. BenDor
Klaus Hubacek, University of Maryland
Bethany K. Laursen
Antonie Jetter, Portland State University
Laura Basco-Carrera
Alison Singer, Michigan State University
Laura Young
Jessica Brunacini
Alex Smajgl
Date
Journal
Environmental Modelling & Software
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