Resources & Social Resources & Social ScienceScienceConceptual Frameworks, Conceptual Frameworks, Research QuestionsResearch Questions

Kathleen L. Wolf, Ph.D.Kathleen L. Wolf, Ph.D.kwolf@u.washington.edukwolf@u.washington.edu

www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmindwww.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind

ESRM 304ESRM 304November 17, 2008November 17, 2008

ESRM 304 LabESRM 304 LabSocial ScienceSocial Science

St. Edward State Park - recreation evaluation

There are many social questions about parks, rec, and open space!

parks and people issue/dynamicwhat would be a research question?

(1-2 sentencesidea(s) for data collection about people

30 minute essay – due Monday

human human dimensionsdimensionsof of naturalnaturalresourceresourcemgmtmgmt

www.hd.govwww.hd.gov

ReadingsReadingsResearch Methods:

• Bryman, & Cramer. 1997. Quantitative Data Analysis: A Guide for Social Scientists.

• Galvan, J. L. 2004. Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2nd Edition. Chapter 5: Analyzing Literature from the Viewpoint of a Researcher.

• Shoemaker, et al. 2000. Social Science Methodologies for Studying Individuals’ Responses in Human Issues in Horticulture Research. HortTechnology.

Reserve BooksReserve BooksResearch Methods:

Creswell. 1994. Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches.

Robson. 1993. Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers.

Zeisel. 1981. Inquiry by Design: Tools for Environment-Behavior Research.

““preferring preferring simplicitysimplicity

is not is not denial of complexity,denial of complexity,

but,but,clarification of the clarification of the significant”significant”

an architect somewhere

decide on a focusdecide on a focusdevelop research develop research

questionsquestions

choose a research choose a research strategystrategy

arrange practicalitiesarrange practicalitiescollect the datacollect the data

carry out analysiscarry out analysis

report what you’ve report what you’ve foundfound

select methodsselect methods

Process of Scientific Investigation

Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkPrimary Research QuestionsFramework may include hypothesesFramework is project skeleton

develop subquestionsoperationalize questionsfield methodsdata collection

Examples

Framework Basics!Framework Basics!Who?Where?Why?

usersgeneral populacestakeholdersmanagersdecision-makers

on-sitenear, off-sitecommunityregionstate

planmanageevaluateforecastfundtheory

Study 1:Study 1:Urban Forestry & Urban Forestry & Shopping EnvironmentsShopping Environments

Main Streets & Central

Business Districts

Urban Forestry & Urban Forestry & Shopping EnvironmentsShopping Environments

Visual quality - visual preference?

Maintenance and upkeepProduct qualityMerchant interaction

Shopper perceptions?

Ratings of varied images of streetscape conditions

Shopper patronage?

Travel time & distanceLength of stayWillingness-to-pay for products

www.cfr.washington.edu/www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envminresearch.envmindd

Study 2:Study 2:Urban Youth, Urban Youth, Urban Forest Urban Forest Restoration, & Personal Restoration, & Personal DevelopmentDevelopment

Urban Youth, Urban Forestry Urban Youth, Urban Forestry Restoration, & Personal Restoration, & Personal DevelopmentDevelopment

Psychological development

Improved family dynamicsCommunity leadership

Social development

Self-concept and identityConfidence and self-efficacy

Career development

Ecological literacyNatural resource career knowledge & interest

Study 3:Study 3:Private Landowners, Private Landowners, Nonpoint Source Nonpoint Source Pollution, & Land Pollution, & Land ManagementManagement

Stormwater qualityStormwater quantitySalmon habitat

Nonpoint sourcesCumulative effects

Private Landowners, Nonpoint Private Landowners, Nonpoint Source Pollution & Land Source Pollution & Land ManagementManagement

Learning effectiveness?

Environmental ethicEconomic gainExternal influences

Motivations to adopt behavior?

Judgments of internet, site visits, print materials, classes, etc.

Satisfactions after doing recommended BMPs?

Landscape stewardshipIntrinsic pleasure or valueHealth of personal land and animals

Sources Sources for for

Conceptual Conceptual Framework?Framework?

Theory

Prior Studies

Case Studies

Pilot Study

Personal Experiences

Field Managers & Experts

ESRM 304 LabESRM 304 LabSocial ScienceSocial Science

St. Edward State Park - recreation evaluation

There are many social questions about parks, rec, and open space!

parks and people issue/dynamicwhat would be a research question?

(1-2 sentencesidea(s) for data collection about people

30 minute essay – due Monday