Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Using a Cognitive Mapping Approach to Frame the Perceptions of Water Users About Managing Water Resources: A Case Study in the Australian Capital Territory

Water Resources Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In complex socio-ecological systems, such as managing natural resources, human frames and mental models play a central role in deriving the system’s behaviour. Differences in stakeholder views and perceptions may impede the design and implementation of collective policies. Understanding stakeholder views and mental models is a pre-requisite for understanding decision making, improving communication, and eventually developing management policies that cater to the diversity of values and interests. Motivated by this premise, this research uses a cognitive mapping approach to examine the frames used by a group of water users with regard to managing available water resources. We focus on the Australian Capital Territory as a case study. Two different frames have emerged from the results: hard and soft. Differences in frames embody various perceptions about the problem definition, its causes, effective management strategies, and hence, responsibility attribution. The paper describes both frames and highlights those perceptions that may stand as barriers against sustainable management. These findings can be transferred to other arid and semi-arid areas.

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

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price includes VAT (France)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

References

  • Ackermann F, Eden C, Cropper S (2004) Getting started with cognitive mapping. http://www.banxia.com/dexplore/how-to-make-cognitive-maps.html

  • ACT Government (2006) HS-42 Water consumption per capita. http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2006/publications/drs/indicator/335/

  • Axelrod R (1976) Structure of decision: the cognitive maps of political elites. Princeton University Press, Chichester

    Google Scholar 

  • Boschetti F, Richert C, Walker I, Price J, Dutra L (2012) Assessing attitudes and cognitive styles of stakeholders in environmental projects involving computer modelling. Ecol Model 247:98–111. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.07.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bostrom A (1997) Vaccine risk communication: lessons from risk perception, decision making and environmental risk communication research. Risk 8:173–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Churchman CW (1970) Operations research as a profession. Manag Sci 17:B37–B53. doi:10.1287/mnsc.17.2.B37

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooper M, Tanner J, Ashcroft B, Morrison M, Rupil L (2007) Next steps to ensure water security for the ACT region. Technical report prepared by the Water Security Taskforce Chief Minister’s Department. http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/4280886

  • Dernelley K (2005) The building of the garden: arts & crafts gardens in Australia, 1880–1914. Gard Hist 33:118–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dewulf A, Gray B, Putnam L, Lewicki R, Aarts N, Bouwen R, van Woerkum C (2009) Disentangling approaches to framing in conflict and negotiation research: a meta-paradigmatic perspective. Hum Relat 62:155–193. doi:10.1177/0018726708100356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dick B (2002) Convergent interviewing: a technique for qualitative data collection. Session 8 of Areol: Resource papers in action research. http://www.aral.com.au/resources/iview.html

  • Eden C (1992) On the nature of cognitive maps. J Manag Stud 29:261–265. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6486.1992.tb00664

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Sawah S (2010) The use of integrated modelling for learning and communicating about water issues in the australian capital territory, PhD dissertation, University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia

  • Festinger L (1957) Theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press, Stanford

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray B (2003) Framing of environmental disputes. In: Lewicki R, Gray B, Elliott M (eds) Making sense of intractable environmental conflicts: concepts and cases. Island Press, Washington D.C., pp 11–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Head L, Muir P (2007) Changing cultures of water in Eastern Australian backyard gardens. Soc Cult Geogr 8:889–905. doi:10.1080/14649360701712651

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howick S, Eden C, Ackermann F, Williams T (2008) Building confidence in models for multiple audiences: the modelling cascade. Eur J Oper Res 186:1068–1083. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2007.02.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jakeman AJ, Letcher RA (2003) Integrated assessment and modelling: features, principles and examples for catchment management. Environ Model Softw 18:491–501. doi:10.1016/S1364-8152(03)00024-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins M (1998) The theory and practice of comparing causal maps. In: Eden C, Spender J (eds) Managerial and organizational cognition: theory, methods and research. Sage Publications, CA, USA, pp 231–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen BB (2002) Knowledge, action and pro-environmental behaviour. Environ Educ Res 8:325–334. doi:10.1080/13504620220145474

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones NA, Ross H, Lynam T, Perez P, Leitch A (2011) Mental models: an interdisciplinary synthesis of theory and methods. Ecol Soc 16:46

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly G (1955) The psychology of personal constructs: a theory of personality. Norton, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolkman MJ, Kok M, Van der Veen A (2005) Mental model mapping as a new tool to analyse the use of information in decision-making in integrated water management. Phys Chem Earth A/B/C 30.4:317–332

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lorenzoni I, Nicholson-Cole S, Whitmarsh L (2007) Barriers perceived to engaging with climate change among the UK public and their policy implications. Glob Environ Chang 17:445–459. doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2007.01.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marsden J, Pickering P (2006) Securing Australia’s urban water supply: opportunities and impediments. Technical report. Marsden Jacob Associates, Victoria

    Google Scholar 

  • Meadows D, Meadows D, Randers J (1972) The limits to growth. Universe Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Midgley G (2000) Systemic intervention: philosophy, methodology, and practice. Springer, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ozesmi U, Ozesmi S (2004) Ecological models based on peoples knowledge: a multi-step fuzzy cognitive mapping approach. Ecol Model 176:43–64. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2003.10.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pahl-Wostl C, Hare M (2004) Processes of social learning in integrated resources management. J Community Appl Soc Psychol 14:193–206. doi:10.1002/casp.774

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pala O, Vennix J, Kleijnen J (1999) Validation in soft OR, hard OR and system dynamics: a critical comparison and contribution to the debate. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference of the System Dynamics Society, Wellington, New Zealand

  • Raadgever GT, Mostert E, van de Giesen NC (2012) Learning from collaborative research in water management practice. Water Resour Manag 26:3251–3266. doi:10.1007/s11269-012-0070-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shӧn D, Rein M (1994) Frame reflection: toward the resolution of intractable policy controversies. Basic Books, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Sterman J (2000) Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. Irwin/McGraw-Hill, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Sterman J (2008) Risk communication on climate: mental models and mass balance. Science 322:532–533. doi:10.1126/science.1162574

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stern P (2000) Toward a coherent theory of environmentally significant behavior. J Soc Issues 56:407–424. doi:10.1111/0022-4537.00175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoll-Kleemann S, O’Riordan T, Jaeger C (2001) The psychology of denial concerning climate mitigation measures: evidence from Swiss focus groups. Glob Environ Chang 11:107–117. doi:10.1016/S0959-3780(00)00061-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Vugt M (2002) Central, individual or collective control? Social dilemma strategies for natural resource management. Am Behav Sci 45:783–800

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanwindekens FM, Stilmant D, Baret PV (2013) Development of a broadened cognitive mapping approach for analysing systems of practices in social–ecological systems. Ecol Model 250:352–362. doi:10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2012.11.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe SE (2012) Water cognition and cognitive affective mapping: identifying priority clusters within a Canadian water efficiency community. Water Resour Manag 26:2991–3004. doi:10.1007/s11269-012-0061-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The first author acknowledges the University of New South Wales Global Scholarship for funding this research. Special thanks to interviewees who dedicated time to participating in this research. Thanks to Rachael Griffiths (ANU) for her assistance with reviewing the final manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, Integrated Catchment Assessment and Management Centre, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

    Sondoss ElSawah

  2. School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Australian Defense Force Academy, Canberra, Australia

    Alan Mclucas

  3. School of Business, University of New South Wales, Australian Defense Force Academy, Canberra, Australia

    Jason Mazanov

Authors
  1. Sondoss ElSawah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Alan Mclucas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jason Mazanov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sondoss ElSawah.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

ElSawah, S., Mclucas, A. & Mazanov, J. Using a Cognitive Mapping Approach to Frame the Perceptions of Water Users About Managing Water Resources: A Case Study in the Australian Capital Territory. Water Resour Manage 27, 3441–3456 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-013-0357-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-013-0357-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation