Social Science for Natural Resource Managers

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Module 1: Understanding Stakeholders

This module introduces the novice participant to prominent social science disciplines, important social science questions, and ways in which social science can be used to meaningfully and systematically engage stakeholders.

You will learn how to

• Recall the major social science disciplines and their applicability to coastal zone management
• Identify and incorporate behavioral considerations from the social sciences in defining a problem
• Conduct a stakeholder analysis
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different stakeholder engagement techniques

Module 2: Conducting Interviews

This module provides participants with the knowledge to create an “interview guide” tool and conduct effective interviews that can be used in multiple resource management settings.

You will learn how to

• Recognize three types of interviews, as well as their purposes, strengths, and limitations
• Construct an interview guide using best practices for question construction and sequencing
• Design and conduct a mock interview, ensuring that all components are included
• Critique mock interviews and identify best practices and common pitfalls for execution of an interview

Module 3: Leading Focus Groups

This module offers the novice user an introduction to the practice of planning and administering focus groups as a research and engagement tool. Participants will achieve a better understanding of the appropriate use of focus groups, as well as best practices and approaches.

You will learn how to

• Recognize when it is appropriate to use a focus group to gather information
• Identify the strengths and limitations of using a focus group
• Successfully plan and conduct a focus group
• Design and participate in a mock focus group, ensuring that all components are included
• Critique a mock focus group, and identify best practices and common pitfalls