Ecological Causal Assessment

ISBN-13: 9781439870136 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 516 str.

Susan B. Norton; Glenn W. Suter II; Susan M. Cormier

Opis

Edited by experts at the leading edge of the development of causal assessment methods for more than two decades, Ecological Causal Assessment gives insight and expert guidance on how to identify cause-effect relationships in environmental systems. The book discusses the importance of asking the fundamental question "Why did this effect happen?" before moving on to "How can we fix it?" The book provides a deeper understanding of different philosophical and analytical approaches, and of cognitive tendencies that can lead to errors. It describes formal processes for causal assessment that are particularly helpful when the situation is complex or contentious. It also describes how to approach the analysis of available data and to optimize collection efforts. The text then details a transparent process that helps others replicate results and can be used to convince skeptics that the true cause has been identified. Several detailed case studies show how to apply the process to streams, watersheds, and a terrestrial wildlife population. Causal assessment is a challenging, but endlessly fascinating endeavor. Success requires the persistence to figure things out and solid strategies for using the information that you have and getting more of the right kind of information that you need. This book gives you just that: the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully unravel tough environmental problems and build the knowledge base for effective management solutions. Read interview about this book with author Sue Norton here: http: //www.freshwater-science.org/Publications/Newsletter-In-The-Drift/ITD--Fall-2015.cfm#itdqna"

Spis treści

Part 1: Introduction. Introduction. History of Causation and Causal Concepts. Causal Analysis and Human Cognition. Part 2: Conducting Causal Assessments. Framing Assessments. Conceptual Model Diagrams As a Structure for Information Organization and Analysis. Covariance and Confounding. Multiple Cases. Causal Arguments and Evidence. Sources of Evidence: Case-specific Observations. Sources of Evidence: Experiments and Manipulations. Source of Evidence: Observational Studies. Other Sources of Evidence. Forming Causal Conclusions. Presenting the Causal Case. Evaluating and Using the Results of Causal Assessments. Part 3: Case Studies. Stressor Identification/Aquatic (Long Creek). Stressor Identification/Terrestrial (Kit Fox). Stressor Identification/Aquatic (Northern Rivers). Case Vignettes.