Characteristics of Knowledge in Socioscientific Decision Making

Abstract

Socioscientific issues demand decision-making that uses knowledge, and understanding its key characteristics helps decision-makers use it effectively for informed and practical decisions. Using a constructivist epistemology, a symbolic interaction theoretical perspective, and grounded theory methodology, this study explores the characteristics of knowledge in decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five Grade 11 students from a public school in a province of the Philippines were purposively chosen based on selection criteria. In-depth interviews were conducted using validated interview guides until theoretical saturation was reached. The collected data were analyzed using Naeem et al.’s thematic analysis process. The findings revealed that knowledge in socioscientific decision-making is developing, subsumptive, selective, transformative, reason-constructive, compliance-directive, adaptive, dynamic, transferable, alternative-generating, emotive, and experience-based. Understanding these characteristics enables decision-makers, such as global leaders, policymakers, and knowledge managers, to enhance their decision-making processes, leading to more positive outcomes for societies and the global community, particularly during socioscientific crises.