When and how to use Q methodology to understand perspectives in conservation research

Bibliographic Data

ID23326006
AuthorsAiora Zabala (0000-0001-8534-3325, Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance, Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge The David Attenborough Building Pembroke Street Cambridge CB2 3QZ U.K., corresponding author), C Sandbrook (0000-0002-9938-4934, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge Downing Place Cambridge CB2 3EN U.K.), Nibedita Mukherjee (0000-0002-2970-1498, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Cornwall Campus, Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE U.K.)
Year2018
Volume32
Issue5
Pages1185-1194
Publication date2018-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueConservation Biology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0888-8892 • E-ISSN: 1523-1739
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/cobi.13123
PMID29707822
OpenAlexW2800179217
LanguageEN
Citations received144
References cited53

Understanding human perspectives is critical in a range of conservation contexts, for example, in overcoming conflicts or developing projects that are acceptable to relevant stakeholders. The Q methodology is a unique semiquantitative technique used to explore human perspectives. It has been applied for decades in other disciplines and recently gained traction in conservation. This paper helps researchers assess when Q is useful for a given conservation question and what its use involves. To do so, we explained the steps necessary to conduct a Q study, from the research design to the interpretation of results. We provided recommendations to minimize biases in conducting a Q study, which can affect mostly when designing the study and collecting the data. We conducted a structured literature review of 52 studies to examine in what empirical conservation contexts Q has been used. Most studies were subnational or national cases, but some also address multinational or global questions. We found that Q has been applied to 4 broad types of conservation goals: addressing conflict, devising management alternatives, understanding policy acceptability, and critically reflecting on the values that implicitly influence research and practice. Through these applications, researchers found hidden views, understood opinions in depth and discovered points of consensus that facilitated unlocking difficult disagreements. The Q methodology has a clear procedure but is also flexible, allowing researchers explore long‐term views, or views about items other than statements, such as landscape images. We also found some inconsistencies in applying and, mainly, in reporting Q studies, whereby it was not possible to fully understand how the research was conducted or why some atypical research decisions had been taken in some studies. Accordingly, we suggest a reporting checklist.

Biodiversity · Biodiversity conservation · Biology · Conservation science · Environmental resource management · Geography · Ecology · Environmental Science · Q Methodology Applications · Rangeland and Wildlife Management · Species Distribution and Climate Change

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