ESRM 304
November 17, 2008
Resources & Social Science
Conceptual Frameworks,
Research Questions
Kathleen L. Wolf, Ph.D.
kwolf@u.washington.edu
www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind
ESRM 304 Lab
Social Science
St. Edward State Park - recreation evaluation
There are many social questions about parks,
rec, and open space!
30 minute essay – due Monday
parks and people issue/dynamic
what would be a research question?
(1-2 sentences
idea(s) for data collection about people
human
dimensions
of
natural
resource
mgmt
www.hd.gov
Readings
Research 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 Books
Research 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 simplicity
is not
denial of complexity,
but,
clarification of the
significant”
an architect somewhere
Process of Scientific Investigation
decide on a focus
develop research questions
report what you’ve found
choose a research strategy
carry out analysis
select methods
arrange practicalities
collect the data
Conceptual Framework
Primary Research Questions
Framework may include hypotheses
Framework is project skeleton
develop subquestions
operationalize questions
field methods
data collection
Examples
Framework Basics!
Who?
Where?
Why?
users
general populace
stakeholders
managers
decision-makers
on-site
near, off-site
community
region
state
plan
manage
evaluate
forecast
fund
theory
Study 1:
Urban Forestry &
Shopping Environments
Main
Streets &
Central
Business
Districts
Urban Forestry &
Shopping Environments
Visual quality - visual preference?
Ratings of varied images of streetscape conditions
Shopper perceptions?
Maintenance and upkeep
Product quality
Merchant interaction
Shopper patronage?
Travel time & distance
Length of stay
Willingness-to-pay for products
www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind
Study 2:
Urban Youth,
Urban Forest Restoration, &
Personal Development
Urban Youth, Urban Forestry
Restoration, & Personal
Development
Psychological development
Self-concept and identity
Confidence and self-efficacy
Social development
Improved family dynamics
Community leadership
Career development
Ecological literacy
Natural resource career knowledge & interest
Study 3:
Private Landowners,
Nonpoint Source Pollution,
& Land Management
Stormwater quality
Stormwater quantity
Salmon habitat
Nonpoint sources
Cumulative effects
Private Landowners, Nonpoint Source
Pollution & Land Management
Learning effectiveness?
Judgments of internet, site visits,
print materials, classes, etc.
Motivations to adopt behavior?
Environmental ethic
Economic gain
External influences
Satisfactions after doing recommended BMPs?
Landscape stewardship
Intrinsic pleasure or value
Health of personal land and animals
Sources for
Conceptual Framework?
Theory
Prior Studies
Case Studies
Pilot Study
Personal Experiences
Field Managers & Experts
ESRM 304 Lab
Social Science
St. Edward State Park - recreation evaluation
There are many social questions about parks,
rec, and open space!
30 minute essay – due Monday
parks and people issue/dynamic
what would be a research question?
(1-2 sentences
idea(s) for data collection about people