Ecological knowledge: Acquisition and use in problem solving and in decision making

Abstract Ecological knowledge is analyzed under psychological and educational aspects. In empirical studies three experimental settings were used to investigate this type of knowledge: (1) a computer simulation of an ecological system, (2) an environmental game as a new variant of the Commons Dilemma, and (3) a computerized text base on various aspects of an actual environmental problem. The subjects had to acquire and to apply this knowledge in making predictions, planning intervention, deciding about environmental measures etc. The results show which conditions impair the acquisition and correct utilization of ecological knowledge and how it is possible to provide well-structured learning environments for this content domain.

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