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Tackling Wicked Problems in Applied Economics: An Application to the Bears Ears National Monument

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  • Steele, Amanda J. Harker
  • Bergstrom, John C.

Abstract

The term “wicked problems” is not well recognized in the field of applied economics. Normally used to describe situations or scenarios that are difficult to solve using standard modeling methods, these problems are often highly complex and span multiple disciplines. As a result, traditional methods for teaching economists how to problemsolve may not suffice. In this paper, we assess whether or not the case study method is an possible strategy to better equip students to deal with, account for, and solve wicked policy problems in applied economics. We focus on a single, but highly timely and relevant wicked-type policy problem: “Whether or not to change the designation and/or size of the Bear’s Ears National Monument in Utah.” The Bears Ears issue has all the hallmarks of a wicked-type problem. There are many sides to the issue and thus many diverse key stakeholders involved. To address this issue we ask students in an advanced applied economics course to role-play as members of a private a consulting firm hired to and to determine the “socially optimal” size of the Bears Ears National Monument, using economics criteria discussed throughout the semester. Based on their results, students are asked to offer policy recommendations and explain in detail the limitations of their results. We assess student learning outcomes using a pre- and post-survey, a take-home assignment, and an in-class group presentation. To discourage the free-rider problem, we assess individual contributions by having students complete individual evaluations.

Suggested Citation

  • Steele, Amanda J. Harker & Bergstrom, John C., 2018. "Tackling Wicked Problems in Applied Economics: An Application to the Bears Ears National Monument," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274843, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea18:274843
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.274843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Harker Steele, Amanda J. & Bergstrom, John C., 2018. "Tackling Wicked Problems when Teaching Applied Economics: An Application to the Bears Ears National Monument," 2018 Annual Meeting, August 5-7, Washington, D.C. 274500, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    2. Robert Goodspeed, 2015. "Smart cities: moving beyond urban cybernetics to tackle wicked problems," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 8(1), pages 79-92.
    3. Sandra S. Batie, 2008. "Wicked Problems and Applied Economics," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 90(5), pages 1176-1191.
    4. Joseph Santos & Angeline M. Lavin, 2004. "Do as I Do, Not as I Say: Assessing Outcomes When Students Think Like Economists," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(2), pages 148-161, April.
    5. Dentoni, Domenico & Hospes, Otto & Ross, R. Brent, 2012. "Managing Wicked Problems in Agribusiness: The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Engagements in Value Creation," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 15(B), pages 1-12, December.
    6. Kelly Levin & Benjamin Cashore & Steven Bernstein & Graeme Auld, 2012. "Overcoming the tragedy of super wicked problems: constraining our future selves to ameliorate global climate change," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 45(2), pages 123-152, June.
    7. William E. Becker, 2000. "Teaching Economics in the 21st Century," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 14(1), pages 109-119, Winter.
    8. Jacob Ricker-Gilbert & Thomas Jayne & Gerald Shively, 2013. "Addressing the 'Wicked Problem' of Input Subsidy Programs in Africa," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 35(2), pages 322-340.
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