The Value of Decision Models

Abstract

Many professions operate with systems of check- lists or decision models that ensure decisions are based on the best current knowledge and are consistent. There are a number of natural human tendencies that cause us all to skip important steps in the decision-making process, and the checklist approach helps overcome this problem. These lists are some of the simplest decision tools we can employ. For a variety of reasons checklists have not been widely adopted in rangeland or natural resource management. Our objectives here are to: 1) provide a brief overview of decision-making theory and the specialty area of judgment and decision making ( JDM), 2) discuss how ignor- ing decision tools can limit our success, 3) describe examples of simple decision models used in other professions, and 4) introduce Ecologically Based Invasive Plant Management (EBIPM) as an example of a decision model in rangeland weed management. We will not go into the speci cs of EBIPM; that is the purpose of this special issue of Rangelands. The goal of our discussion is to provide the underlying argument for the use of stepwise decision tools such as EBIPM.

DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i6_svejcar