Tools and methods in participatory modeling
Selecting the right tool for the job
A. Voinov (University of Twente, TU Delft - System Engineering, University of Technology Sydney)
Karen Jenni (United States Geological Survey )
Steven Gray (Michigan State University)
Nagesh Kolagani (Indian Institute of Information Technology)
Pierre D. Glynn (United States Geological Survey )
Pierre Bommel (University of Costa Rica)
Christina Prell (University of Maryland)
Moira Zellner (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Michael Paolisso (University of Maryland)
Rebecca Jordan (Rutgers University–New Brunswick)
Eleanor Sterling (American Museum of Natural History)
Laura Schmitt Olabisi (Michigan State University)
Philippe J. Giabbanelli (Furman University)
Zhanli Sun (Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies)
Christophe Le Page (CIRAD)
Sondoss Elsawah (University of New South Wales Canberra)
Todd K. BenDor (University of North Carolina)
Klaus Hubacek (Masaryk University, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, University of Maryland)
Bethany K. Laursen (Michigan State University)
Antonie Jetter (Portland State University)
Laura Basco Carrera (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Deltares, University of Twente)
Alison Singer (Michigan State University)
Laura Young (Michigan State University)
Jessica Brunacini (Michigan State University)
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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.
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