Cultural Consensus and Cultural Models of Environment on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore

这个项目涉及来自马里兰大学的文化人类学家，他们研究切萨皮克湾分水岭环境危害的文化模型，这些模型是由Pfiester piscicida的有毒水华刺激的。研究人员及其学生将调查各种利益相关者群体(农民、水工、环境专业人员、生物和农业科学家以及政策制定者)所持有的文化模式，这些模式通过参与改善水质的努力而联系在一起。利用认知人类学开发的共识分析技术，研究人员将系统地记录关于环境污染的信仰和价值观在文化内和文化间的差异。每组成员的样本为25-30人。该项目的理论和实证重点是关于Pfiester对农民和船民的社区和文化后果的探索性研究的继续。项目成果将用于促进利益攸关方群体之间就他们在环境知识、信念、价值观和做法方面的相似和不同之处进行对话。研究人员的另一个关切是确保代表不足的群体，特别是农民和船工的平等参与。该项目还继续在该大学开发一个长期的应用研究和培训方案，重点是培养学生成为实践者和研究人员。

9904928Paolisso & ChambersThis project involves cultural anthropologists from the University of Maryland studying the cultural models of environmental hazards in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, stimulated by the toxic bloom of Pfiesteria piscicida. The researchers and their students will investigate the cultural models held by various stakeholder groups (farmers, watermen, environmental professionals, biological and agricultural scientists, and policymakers), linked through their involvement in efforts to improve water quality. Using consensus analysis, a technique developed in cognitive anthropology, with a sample of 25-30 members of each group, the researchers will systematically document intra- and intercultural variation in beliefs and values regarding environmental pollution. This project's theoretical and empirical focus is a continuation of exploratory research on the community and cultural consequences of Pfiesteria for farmers and watermen. Project findings will be used to promote dialog between stakeholder groups on their similarities and differences in environmental knowledge, beliefs, values and practices. An additional concern of the researchers is to assure the equal participation of under-represented groups, specifically farmers and watermen. The project also continues developing a long-term applied research and training program at the University with a focus on preparing students to be practitioners as well as researchers.