Social contract

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Revision as of 04:25, 24 October 2011 by Pcereghino (talk | contribs)

Template:Basic 'The privilage to edit the Nearshore Wiki is based on adherence to our social contract. This is an agreement that is administered by our moderator team which is responsible for interpreting and applying these provisions. It establishes the principles we follow when adding or editing material in this wiki. Complaints about violations of this contract can be made on our Complaints Page.

The Scientific Ethos

We are dedicated to the use of the scientific method. This method involves the transparent identification of conceptual models and hypotheses using precise language, the design and implementation of robust of tests, and the development of logical networks of theory from which we make inferences, and the citation of our sources of information.

Use of logic and transparent conceptual models

We analyze our own logic and present ideas in a clear and sequential manner. When others appear to misunderstand our work we endevor to improve the clarity and precision of our writing. The goal of critique is to precisely identify the alternative hypotheses or opinions and to compare the available weight of evidence.

Citation of evidence

We will focus our contributions on the citation of evidence to test hypotheses and clarify conceptual models. Evidence is not limited to peer reviewed publications, however we must be clear about the sources of our evidence so that others way weigh our evidence using their own judgment.

Use of Language

The most subjective portion of our social contract involves our contribution of words, and the intent behind that contribution.

Use Clear Neutral Language

Our purpose is to precisely convey meaning so that all readers can understand our words. Words that form the crux of a hypothesis, theory, or argument should be selected carefully so that there is no ambiguity about their meaning. Words designed to provoke an emotive response or conclusion based on snap judgement (for example, words like 'ridiculous' or 'obvious') cloud our ability to accurately assess the state of knowledge. Toward this end we agree to use neutral language to describe evidence and uncertainty. Where definition or meaning of words is ambiguous, operational definitions will be provided, or developed on a topic page.

Provide Impersonal Analysis

We agree that the purpose of contributing to the wiki is to strengthen a network of knowledge to advance ecosystem management. To this end, we commit to the analysis of concise ideas, not the critique of individuals providing the ideas. If the ideas are flawed, the ideas should be challenged with evidence and logic.

Critique

Each page has a discussion page (see tab on top), where the author can provide notes, others can identify weaknesses in the text and provoke stronger analysis. Authors of text are encouraged to resolve strong critique through text revision or discussion on the discussion page.

Disagreement

Where two authors are unable to develop text that reflects a shared understanding, this requires that we develop a more detailed understanding of the disagreement. There are three alternatives:

  1. One author may present their view in the page text, and the other author may dissent on the discussion page. They may insert a link indicating that there is dissent on the discussion page.
  2. One author may present a majority view in the page text, while the other develops a dissenting view in a topic page.
  3. The disagreement is identified using precise and neutral language in the text of the page, and the disagreement is further represented in one or more topic pages.

In all cases, we will be careful to identify and focus on citation of evidence and precise conceptual arguments. Should two authors be unable to come to an agreement, the matter should be posted on the complaints page and an outcome will be selected by the moderator team.

Posting of materials

We will only post materials that are part of the public domain or where the author has agreed that the material is ready and appropriate for public distribution. We will not infringe on personal copyright, or an authors personal opinion of when materials are ready for distribution. We will be consistent with agency policy in our dissemination of research products. We understand that the Nearshore Wiki is governed by a Creative Commons Cite and Share Alike License.

Editing Text

We will work to generate clean and accessible text. The purpose of this platform is the transfer information and work products, not the development of on-line expository essays. We use links, templates and categories to enhance the accessibility of information. I will follow the practices of this wiki when developing new pages or editing existing pages including:

Personal Responsibility

We recognize that it is our personal responsibility to understand this social contract and work with our colleagues to demonstrate our good intentions. We understand that if other members repeatedly find our conduct inconsistent with this contract that our participation as an editor of this site may be brought to an end.