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Deconstructing facts and frames in energy research: Maxims for evaluating contentious problems

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  • Sovacool, Benjamin K.
  • Brown, Marilyn A.

Abstract

In this article, we argue that assumptions and values can play a combative, corrosive role in the generation of objective energy analysis. We then propose six maxims for energy analysts and researchers. Our maxim of information asks readers to keep up to date on trends in energy resources and technology. Our maxim of inclusivity asks readers to involve citizens and other public actors more in energy decisions. Our maxim of symmetry asks readers to keep their analysis of energy technologies centered always on both technology and society. Our maxim of reflexivity asks readers to be self-aware of one's assumptions. Our maxim of prudence asks readers to make energy decisions that are ethical or at least informed. Our maxim of agnosticism asks readers to look beyond a given energy technology to the services it provides and recognize that many systems can provide a desired service. We conclude that decisions in energy are justified by, if not predicated on, beliefs—beliefs which may or may not be supported by objective data, constantly blurring the line between fact, fiction, and frames.

Suggested Citation

  • Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Brown, Marilyn A., 2015. "Deconstructing facts and frames in energy research: Maxims for evaluating contentious problems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 36-42.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:86:y:2015:i:c:p:36-42
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2015.06.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carrico, Amanda R. & Padgett, Paul & Vandenbergh, Michael P. & Gilligan, Jonathan & Wallston, Kenneth A., 2009. "Costly myths: An analysis of idling beliefs and behavior in personal motor vehicles," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(8), pages 2881-2888, August.
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    3. Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Saunders, Harry, 2014. "Competing policy packages and the complexity of energy security," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 641-651.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Anthony Perl & Michael Howlett & M. Ramesh, 2018. "Policy-making and truthiness: Can existing policy models cope with politicized evidence and willful ignorance in a “post-fact” world?," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 51(4), pages 581-600, December.
    2. Strakos, Joshua K. & Quintanilla, Jose A. & Huscroft, Joseph R., 2016. "Department of Defense energy policy and research: A framework to support strategy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 83-91.
    3. Kester, Johannes & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2017. "Torn between war and peace: Critiquing the use of war to mobilize peaceful climate action," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 50-55.
    4. Dias, Rubens Alves & Rios de Paula, Marília & Silva Rocha Rizol, Paloma Maria & Matelli, José Alexandre & Rodrigues de Mattos, Cristiano & Perrella Balestieri, José Antonio, 2021. "Energy education: Reflections over the last fifteen years," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    5. Andreas Goldthau & Benjamin K. Sovacool, 2016. "Energy Technology, Politics, and Interpretative Frames: Shale Gas Fracking in Eastern Europe," Global Environmental Politics, MIT Press, vol. 16(4), pages 50-69, November.
    6. Chester, Lynne & Elliot, Amanda, 2019. "Energy problem representation: The historical and contemporary framing of Australian electricity policy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 102-113.
    7. Felder, Frank A., 2016. "“Why can’t we all get along?” A conceptual analysis and case study of contentious energy problems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 711-716.
    8. Maarten Wolsink, 2020. "Framing in Renewable Energy Policies: A Glossary," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-31, June.
    9. Daniel Wuebben & Juan Romero-Luis & Manuel Gertrudix, 2020. "Citizen Science and Citizen Energy Communities: A Systematic Review and Potential Alliances for SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-24, December.
    10. Brown, George & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2017. "The presidential politics of climate discourse: Energy frames, policy, and political tactics from the 2016 Primaries in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 127-136.
    11. Victor Valentine, Scott & Sovacool, Benjamin K. & Brown, Marilyn A., 2017. "Frame envy in energy policy ideology: A social constructivist framework for wicked energy problems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C), pages 623-630.
    12. Noblet, Caroline L. & Teisl, Mario F. & Evans, Keith & Anderson, Mark W. & McCoy, Shannon & Cervone, Edmund, 2015. "Public preferences for investments in renewable energy production and energy efficiency," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 177-186.

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