Verbatim transcripts from the AARoN (Assessing Attitudes towards Rights of Nature) Project: Development of a discourse tool for discussing contentious topics with polarized groups

Overview: This data set contains verbatim text of two-2hr (8 graduate students, 8 undergraduate students) peer moderated group sessions composed of politically polarized individuals designed to discuss attitudes towards the rights of nature (namely that of water), the script that guided the moderators, and an overview of the project study design. The text supports the notion that polarized groups of individuals will respectfully understand a political opposite’s views on water since both groups inherently value water, the environments they inhabit, and community.

Background: Given that environmental issues in the United States are politicized, we endeavored to test a Theory of Change regarding attitudes towards water and the environmental rights of ecosystems. We hypothesize that polarized groups of individuals will not change their political attitudes but will respectfully understand a political opposite’s views on water since both groups inherently value water, the environments they inhabit, and community.

Conclusion: With respect to our test of the Theory of Change, our hypothesis was not supported since our approach did not change participants' attitudes as determined by pre- and post focus session surveys of attitudes. However, garnered proofs that a respectful and insightful discussion and thus our goal (and its hypothesis) was achieved. Therefore, the tool we developed is both appropriate and useful.

Date uses: The transcript test were used to evaluate the design and execution of a research tool to provide an open discussion of potentially contentious issues, such as the Rights of Nature.

Details: Contact the authors directly or through publication records to view the approach and specifics of how these statements were coded to support the research questions.