HOW THE PUBLIC DECIDES: THE ROLE OF VISUALIZATIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL DECISION MAKING

Most earth science related environmental issues involve complex systems with many parts. As geoscientists, we generally explain and communicate these issues through the use of diagrams or visualizations. Although the field of cognition and psychology has given us ideas on how these diagrams assist in comprehension of complex systems, the types of diagrams and what information should be displayed for environmental issues is less clear. This is especially true in terms of decision-making, and among non-scientist populations. Are the diagrams we use to disseminate findings to other geoscientists really the best diagrams to use with the public? This research study looks to discover empirical evidence on how different diagrams will impact the decision making strategies of members of the general public on earth science related issues. In particular, this research focuses on a water resource management decision. Through the use of role-play scenarios and cutting edge technology, data were collected from 43 working-class, non-scientists. Participants were given the scenario through maps, schematics, profiles, or text and asked to assume the role of a policy maker. Using interactive whiteboard technologies, participants drew on the image and spoke aloud in order to convince others of their decision. Through this methodology, each participant’s reasoning process was captured for comparison with other participants viewing the same or different diagrams. Preliminary analysis of their speech and drawings will be presented as well as interesting findings and future research goals. The outcomes of this study will be best practice information for other geoscientists to create visual media that aids the public in making the most informed decisions most efficiently.