Department of Sociological Studies

Dr Christina Prell

Prell, Christina, John Skvoretz. (forthcoming, 2008).“Looking at social capital through triad structures.” Connections.

Prell, Christina, Klaus Hubacek, Mark Reed (forthcoming, 2009). “Stakeholder analysis and social network analysis in natural resource management.” Society and Natural Resources.

Prell, Christina, Klaus Hubacek , Claire Quinn, Mark Reed (forthcoming, 2008). “Who’s in the social network? When stakeholders influence data analysis.” Systemic practice and action research, 21, pp. 443-458

Prell, Christina, Klaus Hubacek, Mark Reed, Tim Burt, Joe Holden, Nanlin Jin, Mike Kirby, Claire Quinn, Jan Sendzimir. (2007). “If you have a hammer everything looks like a nail: ‘traditional’ versus participatory model building.” Interdisciplinary Science Review, 32/3, pp. 263-282

Holden, J., Shotbolt, L., Bonn, A., Burt, T.P., Chapman, P.J., Dougill, A.J., Fraser, E.D.G., Hubacek, K., Irvine, B., Kirkby, M.J., Reed, M.S., Prell, C., Stagl, S., Stringer, L.C., Turner, A., Worrall, F. (2007) “Changing environmental conditions in UK moorlands: a review”. Earth Science Reviews, 82, pp. 75-100

My research looks at the

Research Overview

role of social capital and social networks in different contexts. Currently, I am involved in two successfully funded projects dealing with sustainable uplands management in the Peaks District National Park. Issues of social networks, social capital, sustainability, and social learning are prominent in this project (more details can be found below).

In addition, I do research on how the internet influences relationships among actors, and I have a newly funded project that looks at the overlaps between social capital and small worlds.

Finally, I am currently writing a book on social network analysis with SAGE publications.

Room Number: LG14,

Department of Sociological Studies,

University of Sheffield
Northumberland Road
Sheffield S10 2TU

Telephone (external): 0114 222 6402
Telephone (internal): 26402

Email:c.prell@sheffield.ac.uk

1. Social capital and small worlds: theoretical and empirical advances (funded by ESRC, Duration: 2008-2010, role of Principle Investigator): This project uses agent-based modeling to explore the overlaps between social capital and small worlds, emphasizing the structural similarities of networks researched in both these contexts. Collaborators of this project include Professor Alan Walker and Dr. Laura Turnbull from University of Sheffield, Tom Snijders from Oxford University.

2.Sustainable Uplands (funded by ESRC/NERC/BBSRC, role of Co-I): The aim of this project is to combine knowledge from local stakeholders, policy-makers and social and natural scientists to anticipate, monitor and sustainably manage rural change in UK uplands. The project began in 2006 and will continue until 2009.

Read more at: http://homepages.see.leeds.ac.uk/~lecmsr/sustainableuplands/

3. ESRC Seminar Series (successfully funded): Social Network Analysis: Advances, Applications, Theories and Developments (My role: co-investigator. Collaborators: Nick Crossley (Prinicple investigator); John Scott (co-investigator). Amount: ￡23,090. Duration: September 2007- March 2008)

Summary found at: http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/disciplines

/sociology/about/staff/crossley/seminars/index.html

4. Book contract with SAGE publications: Social Network Analysis: Methodology and Application (Duration: December 2006 through November 2009): This book will cover fundamental concepts and theories found in SNA. The book is intended for a novice audience, and as such, will offer examples and exercises suitable for this level. In addition, sections of the book will cover the historical development of SNA, case studies using the SNA approach, and a section looking at future directions in the field.

5. Social Ties and Social Identity: Looking at the Roles of Media and Motivation in Computer-Mediated Groups ( Collaborators: Caroline Haythornthwaite and Bridgette Wessels. Duration: began summer 2007 and ongoing): social psychology has contributed a great deal to the understanding of computer mediated communication. In particular, social identity theory and Hyperpersonal theory has given scholars insights into the motivations for forming relationships online, as well as to the dynamics to online relationships. In addition, social network analysis has shed light on how the structuring of social relationships online leads to particular benefits for individuals and groups. In this study, we are bringing these different approaches together to explore how attitudes to working with others affects group and class interaction, media use, and the formation of interpersonal ties. Increasing our knowledge of the effects of these attitudes on communication will help us to understand social dynamics of groups and how to support such interactions.

6. Land-use decision making and land degradation in the American Southwest. This is a Phd project, my role is co-supervisor of Yang Yu, working with Professor Tony Parsons and Professor John Wainwright from Department of Geography. This project investigates people's motivations of land-use decision making, and examines the mutual relationship between people and the land.