Research issues and decision making

Excerpt

Research. The word conjures up several different images: the scientist wearing a lab coat sifting a brew of chemicals; the student poring over books and manuals in the bowels of a library; the biologist counting the population of an endangered species. In some environments the word “research” means a tax break; in others it means budget cuts.

The mixed messages generated by the word research lately are baffling: for years decision makers have either asked for more information so that they can make important decisions, or they have suggested that the information they need to make decisions is incomplete. Decision makers have asked for information regarding acres of land harvested: impacts of soil degradation on soil and water quality; the status of endangered species; the effects of logging practices on the environment; among other things.

Leaders' and decision makers' needs for more information have fueled research into soil, water, and related natural resources: our efforts have generated more questions and driven the quest for more answers.

In most cases, the research has been for a clearly defined purpose. But sometimes the need for research is not understood by all. What is the traditional battle cry when …