Social science is an important component in ecological forecasting to both improve the prediction of the forecasts as well as to increase the understandability and usefulness of the forecasts for decision-making. By social science, we encompass a range of human-focused disciplines, including, but not limited to, decision science, geography, economics, and others. The Social Science Working Group is focused on: developing methods, interdisciplinary collaboration on improving ecological forecasting models, co-production with stakeholders who may or will use ecological forecasts, developing and testing new ecological forecasting decision support products, and improving the tools and processes that advance the use of forecasts in environmental decisions.
The Social Science Scope of Work provides an overview of the priorities of the Social Science Working Group. It is a living document that will be updated as tasks become redundant and new efforts are developed.
Social Science Working Group Schedule of Calls:
The Social Science Group will be meeting September 29, October 20, November 17, and December 8 at 1:00pm US Eastern. We are always open to people joining the calls, contact us at eco4cast.initiative@gmail.com
Social Science Blog Posts and Resources
- Social Science in Ecological Forecasting: People refining forecast visualization, March 23, 2020
- Social Sciences in Ecological Forecasting, December 13, 2019
Notes from Working Group Calls
Co-chairs: Jaime Ashander (Resources for the Future) and Kira Sullivan-Wiley (Boston University)