Integrative Complexity of Coastal Resources Management: Examining Tradeoffs Between Ecosystem Protection and Resource Use

Abstract

The management dilemma of use versus protection is a complex issue, and like most complex issues, it does not lend itself to a simple or simplistic solution. This dissertation research examined the connection between integrative complexity, value orientations, and attitudes toward coastal resource use and protection. These are important topics within the human dimensions of coastal resources management that can help us understand the cognitive processes people use when thinking about acceptable tradeoffs regarding the biophysical environment and use of that environment. Integrative complexity is a concept that indicates the simplicity versus complexity of a person's thinking process. A person who perceives nuance and subtle differences typically scores higher on an integrative complexity measure, whereas those who view the world as black and white score low on integrative complexity. The limited research into the linkages between integrative complexity and components of the cognitive hierarchy, as applied to coastal resource management, inspired this research. Florida-licensed recreational saltwater anglers were sent an online questionnaire. Of the three quantitative integrative complexity measures that were developed, the self-classification vignettes best segmented the anglers into low to high levels of integrative complexity. These integrative complexity levels were used in hypothesis testing. Based on the literature, it was hypothesized that higher integrative complexity thinkers would hold pluralistic value orientations, moderate attitude extremity, and higher acceptability of tradeoffs between use and protection. While much of the results showed mixed support for the alternative hypotheses, there were consistent patterns in the direction of value orientations, attitudes and acceptability of tradeoffs across integrative complexity levels. Overall, high integrative complexity anglers demonstrated ecocentric value orientations, more support for protection-oriented management actions, and higher acceptability for tradeoffs involving an increase in resource protection. Low integrative complexity anglers demonstrated relatively more anthropocentric value orientations, more support for use-oriented management actions, and higher acceptability for tradeoffs involving an increase in resource use.