Broad-scale
Referring to something that encompasses or affects a large area or a wide range of subjects, activities, or people. It signifies an extensive scope, examining phenomena at a macroscopic or comprehensive level, often dealing with systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. This term emphasizes the holistic view, addressing patterns and trends applicable across vast domains, promoting an understanding of general principles or widespread implications rather than particularized details. It can be applied to ecological studies, economic analyses, social policy, and numerous other fields where widespread impact is a concern. The aim is to assess and understand processes with extensive reach.
Broad-scale meaning with examples
- Climate change, a quintessential example of broad-scale environmental concern, requires international cooperation due to its worldwide ramifications, as changes in global temperature affect ecosystems globally, impacting human populations and requiring integrated, large-scale solutions rather than isolated, localized measures to mitigate effects.
- Agricultural practices, especially in regions with intensive farming, are assessed using broad-scale methods, analyzing nutrient runoff from fields, water consumption, and soil degradation to determine the impact of farming over large areas and develop sustainable agriculture practices. This involves analyzing data across states.
- The impact of social media on public opinion is examined using broad-scale social science research. This utilizes surveys and analysis of large datasets of online behavior to assess the general trends in political discourse, providing an understanding of how widespread this technology has become on a nationwide level.
- Epidemiologists analyze the spread of diseases, such as influenza, using broad-scale epidemiological studies that monitor case numbers, transmission rates, and population immunity across multiple countries or regions. This creates a detailed picture for health officials who devise policies.
