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Instructions for Exploring the Conservation Biology Practice Exercises
This chapter of the Second Edition of Conservation Biology concludes with a Practice Exercise, which provides students the opportunity to learn and apply research skills and concepts related to the chapter content.
Chapter 2 Practice Exercise: The Delphi Method
Decision-making in conservation is complex and often involves balancing the needs and desires of a variety of stakeholders. Historically, many stakeholders have been excluded from conservation decisions (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). But as we have increasingly learned that considering the views, beliefs, and values of all stakeholders leads to better conservation outcomes, practitioners must learn how to summarize perspectives and build group consensus. Students will use the tutorial videos and spreadsheet exercises to practice the Delphi method—an approach that is often used to identify the key factors that are important to people and judge the level of consensus regarding the relative importance of those factors.
1. Begin with the Videos
Each Practice Exercise begins with videos from author James D. Murdoch that 1) introduce the Practice Exercise and concepts involved; 2) explore and explain the concepts in depth; and 3) demonstrate tools used in the practical study of those concepts.
For each Chapter Practice Exercise, the student should watch these videos first!
Chapter 2 Video Topics: The Delphi Method
Delphi Method
- Phase 1: Brainstorming
- Phase 2: Narrowing down
- Phase 3: Ranking and analysis
Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance
Download this spreadsheet, and use it as you follow along with the videos.
You can check your work using this completed spreadsheet.
2. Examine the Questions
Each Practice Exercise features a series of questions, which guide students through key questions and concepts.
Some questions may ask you to utilize different parts of the spreadsheet you used in the videos. They also provide a space to upload completed spreadsheets and to record any other responses or information requested.