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Key considerations and challenges in the application of social-network research for environmental decision making |
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| Authors: | A. M. Guerrero M. Barnes Ö. Bodin I. Chadès K. J. Davis M. S. Iftekhar C. Morgans K. A. Wilson |
| Affiliation: | 1. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia;2. ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 4811 QLD, Townsville, Australia;3. Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;4. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia CSIRO, Ecosciences Precinct, 4102 QLD, Dutton Park, Australia;5. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute, University of Exeter Business School, EX4 4PU Exeter, Xfi Building, Rennes Drive, U.K.;6. Centre for Environmental Economics & Policy, UWA School of Agriculture & Environment, M087, The University of Western Australia, 6009 WA, Perth, Australia;7. ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4072 QLD, Brisbane, Australia |
| Abstract: | 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 articles published from January 2016 to June 2019 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. |
| Keywords: | network methods social-ecological systems social-network analysis social science methods análisis de redes sociales métodos de ciencias sociales métodos de redes sistemas socio-ecológicos |