Applying multiple perspectives to a controversial environmental policy issue yields a very thorough analysis of that issue. This is demonstrated by the PhD research of Nikki Funke.
Funke applied three theoretical perspectives to better understand the different roles that scientists and scientific information can play in addressing controversial environmental issues. She used polluted mine water in South Africa as a case study. Applying multiple perspectives to a single research question is a valuable research approach, because each perspective reveals something the others cannot, and together they have the potential to provide a highly in-depth and multidimensional analysis of the problem.
The results of Funke’s research are relevant for scientists who want to observe, analyze, or critique developments within a controversial environmental policy issue, but also for those who wish to actively influence the solutions to such problems. Additionally, her research is relevant for governments, as understanding the dynamics of a controversial environmental issue can lead to better, more informed policy solutions with a greater chance of successful implementation.
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