Brown, J. ChristopherRestrepo-Osorio, Diana L.2015-02-252015-02-252014-08-312014http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:13541https://hdl.handle.net/1808/16815The goal of this thesis project was to explore the perception groups related to watershed management in a Great Plains and in an Andean Watershed. It is essential for watershed stakeholders to acknowledge that there are different perceptions about watershed management among themselves. The Q methodology is an innovative and dynamic interview method that uses qualitative and quantitative data to interpret participants' perceptions. In Kansas, the stakeholder group displayed three perception groups: hands-on rural residents; detail oriented urban and suburban residents; and pro data collection and conservation of natural functions government official. The Andean watershed also displayed three perception groups: Manizales needs proactive measures to prepare for future landslide events; it was not waters of Manizales, it was nature; and preventing the incrimination of specific institutions. A better understanding of the contrasting perceptions of individuals making up both of these stakeholder groups can substantially improve water resource management.187 pagesenThis item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.Latin American studiesNatural resource managementWater resources managementColombiaKansasPerceptionQ MethodUrbanWater resource managementThesisopenAccess