The Potential for Conflict Index: A Graphic Approach to Practical Significance of Human Dimensions Research

Abstract

To facilitate the understanding and applicability of human dimensions findings, this article develops a formula for computing a Potential for Conflict Index (PCI) and a graphic technique for presenting the results. This approach (1) conveys information about a distribution's central tendency, dispersion, and form simultaneously; (2) uses a graphic display that allows easy assimilation of research findings; and (3) places the findings in the context of managerial concern. Computed values for PCI range from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no conflict and 1 indicates maximum conflict. Data are presented from a recent wildlife values project to illustrate the computation and graphic display of the PCI for univariate and bivariate situations. Researchers are encouraged to adopt this approach or variations of it to improve the understandability of their research results.