Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The role of analytical science in natural resource decision making

  • Forum
  • Published:
Environmental Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

There is a continuing debate about the proper role of analytical (positivist) science in natural resource decision making. Two diametrically opposed views are evident, arguing for and against a more extended role for scientific information. The debate takes on a different complexion if one recognizes that certain kinds of problem, referred to here as “wicked” or “trans-science” problems, may not be amenable to the analytical process. Indeed, the mistaken application of analytical methods to trans-science problems may not only be a waste of time and money but also serve to hinder policy development. Since many environmental issues are trans-science in nature, then it follows that alternatives to analytical science need to be developed. In this article, the issues involved in the debate are clarified by examining the impact of the use of analytical methods in a particular case, the spruce budworm controversy in New Brunswick. The article ends with some suggestions about a “holistic” approach to the problem.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature Cited

  • Baskerville, G. 1992. The forestry problem. Unpublished paper, Forest Resources Department, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertell, R. 1985. No immediate danger?: Prognosis for a radioactive earth. Women's Educational Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blais, J. 1985. The spruce budworm and the forest. Pages 135–136in C. Sanders, R. Stark, E. Mullins, and J. Murphy (eds.), Recent advances in spruce budworms research. Canadian Forestry Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brookman, D., and others. 1984. Assessment of the potential of insecticides, emulsifiers, and solvent mixtures to enhance viral infection in cultured mammalian cells.Applied and Environmental Microbiology 47:80–83.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burrows, J. 1978. Friesen wins suit against aerial spraying.Daily Gleaner, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, May 18.

  • Canadian Press. 1981. Tree planters sprayed.Daily Gleaner, 4 June. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Carvajal, J. 1982. The dialectics of analytical and synthetic approaches.European Journal of Operational Research 10:361–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collingridge, D., and C. Reeve. 1986. Science speaks to power: The role of experts in policy making. Francis Pinter Publishers, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Concerned Parents. 1977a. Bloomfield area: Depositions from sprayed citizens. Concerned Parents, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Concerned Parents. 1977b. Update. Concerned Parents, August, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Cotgrove, S. 1982. Catastrophe or cornucopia. Wiley, Chichester, England.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crocker, J., and P. Bagnell. 1981. Reye's syndrome: A clinical review.Canadian Medical Association Journal 124:375–381.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crocker, J., K. Rozee, R. Ozere, S. Digout, and D. Hutzinger. 1974. Insecticide and viral interaction as a cause of fatty visceral changes in encephalopathy in the mouse.Lancet 2:22–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crocker, J., R. Ozere, S. Safe, S. Digout, K. Rozee, and D. Hutzinger. 1976. Lethal interactions of ubiquitous insecticide carriers with virus.Science 192:1351–1353.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crocker, J., K. Renton, S. Lee, K. Rozee, S. Digout, and D. Malatjalian. 1986. Biochemical and morphological characteristics af a mouse model of Reye's syndrome induced by the interaction of influenza B virus and a chemical emulsifier.Laboratory Investigation 54:32–40.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dickson, D. 1988. The new politics of science. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drohan, R. 1972. Clearcutting in New Brunswick.Mysterious East 19:3–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dupuis, A.-M. 1992. Unhappy with pesticide industry. Letter to editor.Daily Gleaner, 12 June, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Ecobichon, D. 1990. Chemical management of forest pest epidemics: A case study.Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 3:217–239.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ecobichon, D., R. Ozere, E. Reid, and J. Crocker. 1977. Acute Fenitrothion poisoning.Canadian Medical Association Journal 19:377–379.

    Google Scholar 

  • Efron, E. 1984. The apocalyptics. Simon and Schuster, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, F. 1990. Technocracy and the politics of expertise. Sage Publications, Newbury Park, California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grimvall, A., and R. Ejvegard. 1986. The dynamics of scientific uncertainty and its implications for the use of conservative procedures in risk analysis. Pages 23–29in P. Oftedal and A. Brogger (eds.), Risk and reason: Risk assessment in relation to environmental mutagens and carcinogens. Alan R. Liss, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatcher, J., and F. White. 1985. Task force on chemicals in the environment and human reproductive problems in New Brunswick. Department of Health, Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hays, S. 1987. Beauty, health and permanence. Cambridge University Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, R. 1976. Biological warfare in New Brunswick.Weekend Magazine 26 May, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inskip, H., and J. Davies. 1987. Methodological aspects of epidemiological studies on groups of workers and members of the public. Pages 13–23tin Proceedings of an NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency) workshop on epidemiology and radiation protection, 13–15 October, Paris, France.

  • Ireland, N. 1976. Some side effects of the spruce budworm spray program. Speech to the Consumers Association of Canada, Fredericton branch, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotzwinkle, W. 1972. You are a worm.Mysterious East 19:11–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levine, A. 1982. Love Canal: Science, politics, and people. Lexington Books, Lexington, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahoney, M. 1976. Scientist as subject: The psychological imperative. Ballinger, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcus, A. 1988. Risk, uncertainty, and scientific judgement.Minerva 26:138–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • May, E. 1982. Budworm battles. Four East Publications, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menna, J. 1985. Effect of emulsifiers on influenza type A virus infection, in vivo and in vitro studies.Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 16:441–448.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Milbrath, L. 1989. Envisioning a sustainable society. State University of New York Press, Albany, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. 1985. Psychological biases in environmental judgements.Journal of Environmental Management 20:231–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. 1990. The competent environmental auditor: Educational issues and concerns.Environmental Auditor 1:191–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, A. 1992. Strategic errors in natural resource decision-making. Unpublished paper, University of New Brunswick, Frederiction, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • NRCC (National Research Council of Canada). 1985a. Epidemiological evidence of the effects of pesticides on human health in Canada. NRCC Publication No. 22852, Ottawa, Canada.

  • NRCC (National Research Council of Canada). 1985b. Extrapolation of toxicological data from laboratory studies to the human situation. Publication No. 23909, Ottawa, Canada.

  • Paigen, B. 1982. Controversy at Love Canal. The Hastings Center Report, June, pp. 29–37.

  • Rittel, H., and M. Webber. 1973. Dilemmas in a general theory of planning.Policy Sciences 4:155–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rozee, K., S. Lee, J. Crocker, S. Digout, and E. Arcinue. 1982. Is a compromised interferon response an etiological factor in Reye's syndrome?Canadian Medical Association Journal 126:798–802.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salter, L. 1988. Mandated science: Science and scientists in the making of standards. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, Holland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider W., and others. 1976. Forest spray program and Reye's syndrome. Department of Health, Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schon, D. 1987. Educating the reflective practioner. Jossey Bass, San Francisco.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuyler, G. 1982. Forest management and chemical spraying. Pages 1–6in M. Taylor (ed.), Brief to the Select Committee on Environment. Concerned Parents Group, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitzer, W., and others. 1982. Report of the New Brunswick task force on the environment and Reye's syndrome. Department of Health, Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitzer, W., and others. 1984. Report of the New Brunswick task force on the environment and cancer. Department of Health, Province of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staff Reporter. 1962. Atlantic Advocate article discusses chemical poisoining.Daily Gleaner 20 November, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Staff Reporter. 1976. Minto school children complain of another spray incident.Daily Gleaner 26 May, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Staff Reporter. 1981. Spray map review urged.Daily Gleaner 17 July, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Taylor, M. 1982. Brief to the select committee on environment of the New Brunswick legislature. 13 January, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

  • Thomas, P., and R. House. 1989. Pesticide-induced modulation of the immune system.American Chemical Society Symposium Series 414:94–106.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Versteeg, H. 1984. The Spruce Budworm program and the perception of risk in New Brunswick. Pages 77–127in Friends of the Earth (eds.), Pesticide policy: The environmental perspective. Friends of the Earth, Ottawa, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, A. 1972. Science and trans-science.Minerva 10:209–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, University of New Brunswick, E3B 6E4, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

    Alan Miller

Authors
  1. Alan Miller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Miller, A. The role of analytical science in natural resource decision making. Environmental Management 17, 563–574 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02393719

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02393719

Key words

Search

Navigation