File:Shared understanding.ppt

Shared understanding is a lecture about the basics and practices of the concept shared understanding within environmental health assessment and decision support.

The lecture has been given in:

• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 7.12.2016 by Jouni Tuomisto
• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 9.12.2015 by Jouni Tuomisto
• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 12.12.2014 by Jouni Tuomisto
• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 13.12.2013 by Jouni Tuomisto
• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 14.12.2012 by Jouni Tuomisto
• ToxEnRi, University of Eastern Finland, 13.12.2011 by Jouni Tuomisto
• Micromedicum seminar, Turku 23.11.2011 by Jouni Tuomisto
• Risk communication and risk management course by Tom Hatfield, Tampere University of Technology, and Eracedu, Kuopio, 3-5 Oct 2011. Lecturer: Jouni Tuomisto, 4 Oct 2011.

Focus of the 2015 Toxenri lecture was on uncertainties and how to reach a shared understanding of a scientific question. As an example, we used the question: "What is the annual, population-weighted average of ambient fine particle (PM_2.5) concentration in Helsinki?" And additionally: "How much will the concentration change, if the Hanasaari coal power plant is shut down?" (There was not really time and data to go into the additional question, although it had more policy relevance.) The starting point for the discussion was Helsinki energy decision 2015.

First, each student had to make their own estimates of the concentration. They were asked to provide a range that would cover the actual value with 95 % confidence. They answered both questions individually based on whatever knowledge they had. Then, they were each given some additional material about fine particles in general or in Helsinki. The material is here: Shared understanding uncertainties. Then they were asked to update their estimates, and give a one-sentence reasoning why they had changed the estimate. Originally, the material was from here:

• The air you breathe page 4
• PM2.5 in the Helsinki subway system abstract
• [1] abstract
• [2] abstract
• Decision options and PM emissions
• ilmanlaatu.fi - Pienhiukkaset PM2.pdf
• Pekkanen review pages 2-4

After this individual work, everyone told their initial and updated estimate ranges, and we had a discussion about how open participation and criticism can be used to produce a shared understanding about what is known about the topic.

What is shared understanding? (2 points) Tell a practical example about what to do if you want to reach a shared understanding in a group about a specific topic, e.g. an exposure level to a pollutant in a target population. (5 points) How does shared understanding relate to uncertainties? (3 points)

Some ideas

Institute for shared understanding Located under THL, Kuopio

Objectives:

• to disseminate scientific information
• to distribute merit for open data
• to moderate public discussions
• to synthesise policy recommendations

See also

• Shared understanding
• op_fi:Jaettu ymmärrys (in Finnish)