Selecting appropriate methods of knowledge synthesis to inform biodiversity policy

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Pullin, A (Author) Other; Frampton, G (Author) Other; Jongman, R (Author) Other; Kohl, C (Author) Other; Livoreil, B (Author) Other; Lux, A (Author) Other; Pataki, G (Author) Other; Petrokofsky, G (Author) Other; Podhora, A (Author) Other; Saarikoski, H (Author) Other; Santamaria, L (Author) Other; Schindler, S (Author) Other; Isabel Sousa Pinto (Author) FCUP; Vandewalle, M (Author) Other; Wittmer, H (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Biodiversity and Conservation

Vol. 25

Pages: 1285-1300

ISSN: 0960-3115

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 53 Citations

Scopus - 53 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-MTF

DOI: 10.1007/s10531-016-1131-9

Abstract (EN): Responding to different questions generated by biodiversity and ecosystem services policy or management requires different forms of knowledge (e.g. scientific, experiential) and knowledge synthesis. Additionally, synthesis methods need to be appropriate to policy context (e.g. question types, budget, timeframe, output type, required scientific rigour). In this paper we present a range of different methods that could potentially be used to conduct a knowledge synthesis in response to questions arising from knowledge needs of decision makers on biodiversity and ecosystem services policy and management. Through a series of workshops attended by natural and social scientists and decision makers we compiled a range of question types, different policy contexts and potential methodological approaches to knowledge synthesis. Methods are derived from both natural and social sciences fields and reflect the range of question and study types that may be relevant for syntheses. Knowledge can be available either in qualitative or quantitative form and in some cases also mixed. All methods have their strengths and weaknesses and we discuss a sample of these to illustrate the need for diversity and importance of appropriate selection. To summarize this collection, we present a table that identifies potential methods matched to different combinations of question types and policy contexts, aimed at assisting teams undertaking knowledge syntheses to select appropriate methods.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16