Item: TOWARD A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF THE HUMAN PROBLEM IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
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Title: TOWARD A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF THE HUMAN PROBLEM IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Tarjei Tveito Skille [ CARE – Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology ]
- Sara Boilen [ Sweetgrass Psychological ]
- Tim Dassler [ CARE – Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: A historical lack of consensus surrounds the problem of humans in avalanche terrain. Research from a variety of fields - behavioral economics, social psychology, anthropology and public health, to name a few - offers insights into how and why professionals and recreationalists engage in practices that cause people to be involved in avalanche accidents. These ideas, however, fail to rise to the level of a cohesive and systematic framework for understanding and communicating about the human problem. Instead, the ambiguity and varied understandings of the human problem remains. Individuals are largely left to interpret the science for themselves, applying what they know or understand to their individual (and/or organizational) practices, hoping that this is sufficient to keep them safe. The avalanche industry has a model for understanding, communicating, and dealing with snow, weather, and terrain. We do not yet have an agreed upon conceptual model for the human problem in avalanche terrain. Although it is supremely lacking, we argue that generating and reaching an agreed consensus is within reach. Thus, we embarked on a qualitative research project focused on ascertaining commonalities amongst professionals in the field regarding the problem of being human in and around avalanche terrain. Based on 14 expert interviews we generated a preliminary conceptual model that we would like to propose to the greater avalanche community. This paper outlines our research efforts and proposes a conceptual model we hope will be debated and discussed within the community as we work toward a consensus upon which we can build education, communication, and outreach efforts to help save lives in the future.
Object ID: ISSW2024_P11.13.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Human problem, conceptual model, human factor, qualitative
Page Number(s): 1585 - 1590
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