Four Common Problems In Environmental Social Research Undertaken by Natural Scientists

Martin, Victoria Y.

doi:10.1093/biosci/biz128

Cited by 55 publications

(65 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…• Because many science communication researchers come to the field after completing higher education qualifications in natural and physical sciences rather than social sciences, some have not yet developed the methodological expertise necessary to design robust social research (Martin, 2019). • Funders rarely insist on methodological quality in science communication evaluation, which means most external evaluation reports conducted by consultants offer questionable or limited value as evidence.…”

Section: Research Challenge Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence-Based Science Communication

Jensen

Gerber

2020

Front. Commun.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Effective science communication can empower research and innovation systems to address global challenges and put public interests at the heart of how knowledge is produced, shared, and applied. For science communication to play this mediating role effectively, we propose a more integrated and "evidence-based" approach. This commentary identifies key issues facing the science communication field. It suggests a series of prescriptions, inspired by the impact of "evidence-based medicine" over the past decades. In practice, evidence-based science communication should combine professional expertise and skills with the best available evidence from systematic research. Steps required to achieve this outcome include more quality assurance in science communication research, significant changes in teaching and training, and improved interfaces between science communication research and practice.

show abstract

Section: Research Challenge Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence-Based Science Communication

Jensen

Gerber

2020

Front. Commun.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…2017; Teel et al. 2018; Martin 2019). Research on social networks can be incredibly valuable for conservation, yet there are common problems in its application that require attention.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2017; Teel et al. 2018; Martin 2019). These concerns include ignoring the decision‐making context (e.g., political, institutional, and cultural factors), not recognizing multidirectional and reciprocal relationships and feedbacks between social and ecological components, inappropriate procedures, and lack of theoretical grounding (Rissman & Gillon 2016; Guerrero et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Key considerations and challenges in the application of social‐network research for environmental decision making

Guerrero

Barnes

Bodin

et al. 2020

Conservation Biology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Attempts to better understand the social context in which conservation and environmental decisions are made has led to increased interest in human social networks. To improve the use of social-network analysis in conservation, we reviewed recent studies in the literature in which such methods were applied. In our review, we looked for problems in research design and analysis that limit the utility of network analysis. Nineteen of 55 exhibited at least 1 of the following problems: application of analytical methods inadequate or sensitive to incomplete network data; application of statistical approaches that ignore dependency in the network; or lack of connection between the theoretical base, research question, and choice of analytical techniques. By drawing attention to these specific areas of concern and highlighting research frontiers and challenges, including causality, network dynamics, and new approaches, we responded to calls for increasing the rigorous application of social science in conservation.

show abstract

“…For researchers new to surveys, we suggest starting with Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method (Dillman, Smythe, and Christian, 2014) and Survey measurements: Techniques, data quality and sources of error (Engel 2015). We recognize it is common for conservation researchers without formal training in the social sciences to conduct surveys (Martin 2020); it is especially important for this group to budget necessary preparation time before fielding an online survey, and consider partnering with a trained social scientist. Still, even the most seasoned conservation social scientist can benefit from being current with survey research best practices.…”

Section: Considerations For Online Survey Design and Implementationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Accurate and thorough reporting of data collection methods is crucial to maintaining the legitimacy of survey data; however, this reporting is often lacking in conservation social science (Martin 2020). While requirements vary across journals, we recommend using general guidelines from the American Psychological Association (Journal Article Reporting Standards; www.apastyle.org/jars), the American Association for Public Opinion Research (https://www.aapor.org/Standards-Ethics/Best-Practices.aspx), and best practices for conservation social science research offered by Teel et al (2018).…”

Section: You've Got Your Cleaned Dataset -Now What?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Conducting conservation social science surveys online

Wardropper¹,

Dayer²,

Goebel³

et al. 2020

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the environment and conservation research in fundamental ways. For conservation social scientists, the pandemic has necessitated swift changes to research methods, including shifting away from in-person data collection. Social survey data are key to integrating perspectives and knowledge from a variety of social actors in order to more effectively manage and conserve ecosystems. In-person survey methods have long been considered an indispensable approach for reaching certain populations (e.g., low-income), those without an available sampling frame (e.g., birders), or those defined by place (e.g., park visitors). However, these methods became infeasible for many researchers during the pandemic, as they may during other times of social upheaval. Additionally, response rates across multiple survey modes have been steadily declining over decades, requiring that researchers consider new approaches. Conservation social scientists are now turning to online surveys at a rapid rate, but they must do so while ensuring rigor in this data collection mode. Further, they must address a suite of unique challenges, such as the increasing use of mobile devices by participants and avoiding bots or other survey fraud. This paper charts a course for high-quality online survey research for conservation social scientists through review of recent literature and our own experiences as survey researchers. We provide direction for scientists moving their surveys online, with examples from a recent national study of people who feed wild birds, in which an online survey was implemented through a survey panel and a sample generated via a project participant list. We also make recommendations for research funders, journal editors, and policymakers using survey-based science, who can all play a role in assuring that high-quality survey data are used to inform effective conservation programs and policies.

show abstract

Four Common Problems In Environmental Social Research Undertaken by Natural Scientists

Cited by 55 publications

References 16 publications

Evidence-Based Science Communication

Evidence-Based Science Communication

Key considerations and challenges in the application of social‐network research for environmental decision making

Conducting conservation social science surveys online

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About