Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping

Jelto Makris; Michael Kriegl; Ben Nagel; Achim Schlüter

doi:10.4324/9781032624679-6

Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping

Jelto Makris
, Michael Kriegl
, Ben Nagel
, Achim Schlüter

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) is an increasingly popular participatory modeling method that facilitates the creation of structured causal maps to compare perspectives on a particular social-ecological system among individuals or groups, as well as the analysis of perceived system dynamics and feedback loops. This chapter explores the value of FCM for understanding and/or improving institutions and institutional change, while highlighting trade-offs in study design and epistemological challenges related to stakeholder participation and modeling that may affect its efficacy for institutional analysis. Reflecting on the participatory challenges encountered during the application of FCM in a case study on Harmful Algal Blooms in coastal Peru, we emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing epistemological, theoretical tensions and power issues linked to FCM from the outset of the research process. This not only helps in navigating challenges throughout the process but can also promote more realistic expectations of the tool’s participatory potential. Finally, this chapter provides recommendations for researchers and practitioners that intend to use FCM in the realm of institutional analysis.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance : Methods and Frameworks
Editors	Fiona Nunan
Number of pages	20
Place of Publication	London
Publisher	Routledge Taylor & Francis Group
Publication date	01.01.2024
Edition	1st Edition
Pages	97-116
ISBN (Print)	978‑1‑032‑62466‑2, 978‑1‑032‑62468‑6
ISBN (Electronic)	978‑1‑032‑62467‑9
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032624679-6
Publication status	Published - 01.01.2024
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 selection and editorial matter, Fiona Nunan; individual chapters, the contributors.

Research areas and keywords

Environmental Governance
Sustainability Governance

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

General Social Sciences
General Earth and Planetary Sciences
General Environmental Science
General Engineering

Access to Document

10.4324/9781032624679-6

Cite this

Makris, J., Kriegl, M., Nagel, B., & Schlüter, A. (2024). Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping . In F. Nunan (Ed.), Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance: Methods and Frameworks (1st Edition ed., pp. 97-116). (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management). Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032624679-6

Makris, Jelto ; Kriegl, Michael ; Nagel, Ben et al. / Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics : Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping . Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance: Methods and Frameworks . editor / Fiona Nunan. 1st Edition. ed. London : Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2024. pp. 97-116 (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management).

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abstract = "Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) is an increasingly popular participatory modeling method that facilitates the creation of structured causal maps to compare perspectives on a particular social-ecological system among individuals or groups, as well as the analysis of perceived system dynamics and feedback loops. This chapter explores the value of FCM for understanding and/or improving institutions and institutional change, while highlighting trade-offs in study design and epistemological challenges related to stakeholder participation and modeling that may affect its efficacy for institutional analysis. Reflecting on the participatory challenges encountered during the application of FCM in a case study on Harmful Algal Blooms in coastal Peru, we emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing epistemological, theoretical tensions and power issues linked to FCM from the outset of the research process. This not only helps in navigating challenges throughout the process but can also promote more realistic expectations of the tool{\textquoteright}s participatory potential. Finally, this chapter provides recommendations for researchers and practitioners that intend to use FCM in the realm of institutional analysis.",

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Makris, J, Kriegl, M, Nagel, B & Schlüter, A 2024, Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping . in F Nunan (ed.), Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance: Methods and Frameworks . 1st Edition edn, Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, London, pp. 97-116. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032624679-6

Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping . / Makris, Jelto; Kriegl, Michael; Nagel, Ben et al.
Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance: Methods and Frameworks . ed. / Fiona Nunan. 1st Edition. ed. London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2024. p. 97-116 (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management).

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review

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Makris J, Kriegl M, Nagel B, Schlüter A. Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping . In Nunan F, editor, Researching Institutions in Natural Resource Governance: Methods and Frameworks . 1st Edition ed. London: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group. 2024. p. 97-116. (Earthscan Studies in Natural Resource Management). doi: 10.4324/9781032624679-6

Participatory modeling of institutional dynamics: Navigating epistemological challenges in fuzzy cognitive mapping

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Research areas and keywords

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

Access to Document

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Cite this