Accessibility of computer-based simulation models in inherently conflict-laden negotiations

The use of computer-based simulation models has a long history in areas suc h as environmental planning and policy-making, and particularly in water ma nagement. Policy making in these areas is often characterized by inherent c onflict among diverse stakeholders with divergent interests. Although simul ation models have been shown to be helpful for such problems, they are typi cally under the control of a technical analyst or governmental agency and a re not available to negotiators in real time. Recent trends in computer tec hnology and user expectations raise the possibility of real-time, user-cont rolled models for supporting negotiation. But is such accessibility likely to be helpful? This study used a "compressed" longitudinal experiment to in vestigate the impacts of different scenarios of accessibility of computer-b ased simulation models. The task was based on a real-life problem in Colora do River water management. Results revealed no significant differences amon g conditions for either solution quality or satisfaction. These results sug gest that the common notion of "more is better" may be inappropriate, and r esources for improving computer support of negotiation might best be focuse d elsewhere.