PSYC 371 Lecture Notes - Precautionary Principle, Statistical Significance, Goal Setting
Document Summary
Chapter 14: the precautionary principle: a guide for protecting public health and the environment: Many environmental impacts of human activities cannot be predicated because of the complex interactions among variables in the ecosystems. The history and definitions of the precautionary principle: Precautionary principle says that we should aim to anticipate and avoid damages before they occur or detect them early. It is based on underlying values and on the following core elements: Potential harm predicting and avoiding harm, or identifying it early, should be a primary concern when contemplating an action. Scientific uncertainty the kind and degree of scientific uncertainty surrounding a proposed activity should be explicitly addressed. Precautionary action particular activity undertaken to avoid harm, even when the harm is not fully understood. The principle is based on recognizing that some activities may cause serious, irreparable or widespread harm.