Tools and methods in participatory modeling: Selecting the right tool for the job

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.

Mental models for conservation research and practice

“…A number of methods are available to support the development of a shared mental model. Examples of methods include participatory modeling (Voinov & Bousquet, ; Voinov, et al., ), role playing games (Pahl‐Wostl & Hare, ), ARDI (Etienne, Du Toit, & Pollard, ), and group model building (Halbe et al., ). Methods can be used to identify the presence or absence of consensus (Biggs et al., ) or to seek to build consensus over time (Etienne et al., ).…”

“…Steps 4–6 have been partially adapted from Voinov et al. (). Step 4 involves positioning and connecting variables to define the structure of the model and usually involves drawing lines with arrowheads to connect two or more variables to one another (relationship).…”

“…In other words, the mental model provides us with a basis to quantitatively model future system states and test how a system might respond to different changes or interventions. A range of methods exists to perform these analyses, including system dynamics, agent‐based models, and integrated modeling (see Voinov et al., for a review). Here, we explore one method, BBN, based on Bayes’ theorem about subjective probabilities and their implications for inference.…”

“…Researchers or practitioners need to decide what type of data will be most helpful in eliciting the mental model (from interview text or from variables that are fully elicited from the participant, or preidentified by the researcher/s) depending on how the data will be used. Steps 4-6 have been partially adapted from Voinov et al (2018).…”

Machine Education: Designing semantically ordered and ontologically guided modular neural networks

“…This modelling focus offers a clear stepwise methodological framework to capture an actor's mental model (i.e. perceptions, knowledge, requirements) and transform them into operational outcomes [12].…”