Quantity Does Not Always Mean Quality: The Importance of Qualitative Social Science in Conservation Research

Qualitative methods are important to gain a deep understanding of complex problems and poorly researched areas. They can be particularly useful to help explain underlying conservation problems. However, the significance in choosing and justifying appropriate methodological frameworks in conservation...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rust, Niki A., Abrams, Amber, Challender, Daniel W.S., Chapron, Guillaume, Ghoddousi, Arash, Glikman, Jenny Anne, Gowan, Catherine H., Hughes, Courtney, Rastogi, Archi, Said, Alicia, Sutton, Alexandra, Taylor, Nik, Thomas, Sarah, Unnikrishnan, Hita, Webber, Amanda D., Wordingham, Gwen, Hill, Catherine M.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2017
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/417393
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/417393
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85021808128
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Human–wildlife conflict
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods
Social sciences
Study design
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/17
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/15
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
human-wildlife relations
Descripción
Sumario:Qualitative methods are important to gain a deep understanding of complex problems and poorly researched areas. They can be particularly useful to help explain underlying conservation problems. However, the significance in choosing and justifying appropriate methodological frameworks in conservation studies should be given more attention to ensure data are collected and analysed appropriately. We explain when, why, and how qualitative methods should be used and explain sampling strategies in qualitative studies. To improve familiarity with qualitative methods among natural scientists, we recommend expanding training in social sciences and increasing collaboration with social scientists. Given the scale of human impacts on the environment, this type of nuanced analytical skill is critical for progressing biodiversity conservation efforts.