Use your DPSIR

The process of creating a DPSIR allows decision-makers or scientists to characterize major stressors, interactions, and tradeoffs related to a decision, and to brainstorm alternative decision options.

A DPSIR concept maps have several uses within a research program or decision process, including

• Characterizing major stressors, interactions, and tradeoffs related to a decision
• Brainstorming or characterizing alternative decision options
• Developing measurable objectives or criteria
• Characterizing where data or research are needed
• Visualizing specific problems within a systems approach
• Conceptualizing interactions and needs for development of predictive mathematical models
• Enhancing communication with scientists, decision-makers, or the public

DPSIR can also be used as an organizing framework for characterizing the state of knowledge and gathering information, including

• Scientific data, models, or literature
• Certainties and knowledge gaps
• Legislation and possible management actions
• Social decision networks

In software such as CMAPTools, concepts can be annotated with notes, documents, maps, and other information. 

We emphasize that DPSIR is just one tool in the decision-making process, but is a useful one for encouraging a systems approach to decision-making, and encouraging scientists, stakeholders, and decision-makers to think beyond their topic of expertise.  For more on systems thinking and decision-making, refer to Module 1.