explore the
Human element
​Human behavior causes many environmental problems but is also the means to solve them.
T.H.E. Lab views conservation and natural resources management through the lens of human behavior and social process. We produce actionable insights from rigorous psychological, sociological, and behavioral science inquiry with observational, experimental, and survey methods to explore the nature of and reasons for environmentally significant behavior. We contribute to conservation and management via insights into behavioral patterns and social processes.
Human Dimensions
of Fish and Wildlife
A cooperative partnership between
University of Idaho and Idaho Department of Fish and Game
CONCEPTUAL
APPROACH
Theory from the human sciences is central to the exploration of relationships between people, land, and wildlife, and its effect on conservation outcomes.
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Norms and behavior change are central concepts that inform investigations of peer and social influences; cognitive, structural, technological, and procedural factors; and rules and (in)formal institutions.
APPLIED
APPROACH
We use principles from psychology, sociology, and behavioral science in real-world contexts to address conservation issues via collaborative, team-based approaches.
We collaborate with partners like the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Policy Analysis Group to draw on expertise and experience as we investigate behavior and decisions in local contexts.
ACTIONABLE
APPROACH
Conceptual and applied approaches facilitate practical, behavior-focused questions to be relevant and useful to governments, businesses, organizations, and stakeholders.
This approach allow us to identify significant behavior factors, improve behavior change design and application, influence public and private sector practices and policies via rigorous empirical science.
Kenneth E. Wallen, PhD
NATURAL RESOURCES
and SOCIETY
The Department of Natural Resources and Society (NRS) at the University of Idaho instructs students and conducts research on how individuals, private, non-profit, and governmental institutions make land and natural resources allocation and management decisions.
NRS prepares professionals who add capacity to organizations that protect and conserve the environment because addressing environmental issues in the 21st century requires creative minds, teamwork, and expertise in the social and biophysical sciences.
