Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.08.008
Title (Primary) A framework for mapping and comparing behavioural theories in models of social-ecological systems
Author Schlüter, M.; Baeza, A.; Dressler, G.; Frank, K. ORCID logo ; Groeneveld, J.; Jager, W.; Janssen, M.A.; McAllister, R.R.J.; Müller, B. ORCID logo ; Orach, K.; Schwarz, N.; Wijermans, N.
Source Titel Ecological Economics
Year 2017
Department CLE; OESA
Volume 131
Page From 21
Page To 35
Language englisch
Keywords Human decision-making; Natural resource management; Rational actor; Bounded rationality; Theory of planned behaviour; Descriptive norm; Habitual; Reinforcement learning; Prospect theory
UFZ wide themes RU5
Abstract Formal models are commonly used in natural resource management (NRM) to study human-environment interactions and inform policy making. In the majority of applications, human behaviour is represented by the rational actor model despite growing empirical evidence of its shortcomings in NRM contexts. While the importance of accounting for the complexity of human behaviour is increasingly recognized, its integration into formal models remains a major challenge. The challenges are multiple: i) there exist many theories scattered across the social sciences, ii) most theories cover only a certain aspect of decision-making, iii) they vary in their degree of formalization, iv) causal mechanisms are often not specified. We provide a framework- MoHuB (Modelling Human Behavior) - to facilitate a broader inclusion of theories on human decision-making in formal NRM models. It serves as a tool and common language to describe, compare and communicate alternative theories. In doing so, we not only enhance understanding of commonalities and differences between theories, but take a first step towards tackling the challenges mentioned above. This approach may enable modellers to find and formalize relevant theories, and be more explicit and inclusive about theories of human decision making in the analysis of social-ecological systems.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=17919
Schlüter, M., Baeza, A., Dressler, G., Frank, K., Groeneveld, J., Jager, W., Janssen, M.A., McAllister, R.R.J., Müller, B., Orach, K., Schwarz, N., Wijermans, N. (2017):
A framework for mapping and comparing behavioural theories in models of social-ecological systems
Ecol. Econ. 131 , 21 - 35 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.08.008