Social Science Research
Themes
What Are the MPA Social Science Themes?
There are many ways to use social science research tools and methods
in marine protected area (MPA) management. The followingsix themes were
created during a social science workshop sponsored by the MPA Center
to categorize common applications for MPAs. Further discussion about
each theme can be found in the MPA
Social Science Research Strategy.
MPA Social Science Theme Areas
|
Attitudes, Perceptions, and Beliefs |
Examines factors influencing human preferences, choices, and actions, including
- Public support and opposition
- Quality of life
- Public expectations
- Aesthetic values
Questions and Tools |
|
|
Economics
|
Focuses on economic conditions and trends, including
- Market and nonmarket valuation
- Costs and benefits
- Socioeconomic change
Questions and Tools |
|
|
Communities
|
Examines social and geographic aspects of stakeholder
communities and community decision making, including
- Demographic characteristics
- Information flow
- Carrying capacity
- Community character
Questions and Tools |
|
|
Use Patterns
|
Addresses how stakeholders access and use resources,
including
- Recreational and commercial uses
- Historical use of resources
- Where, when, and how groups use resources
- Anthropogenic change
- Subsistence use
Questions and Tools |
|
|
Submerged Cultural
Resources
|
Addresses protection and evaluation of cultural
heritage and resources, including
- Nautical history (wrecks, replicas, etc.)
- Submerged artifacts, anthropology, and archaeology
- Historical documents (books, pictures)
Questions and Tools |
|
|
Governments, Institutions,
and Processes
|
Explores public processes and institutional structures,
including
- Decision-making processes
- Use rights
- Conflict management
- Monitoring and enforcement
Questions and Tools |
|
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