Close menu

SURE

Sunderland Repository records the research produced by the University of Sunderland including practice-based research and theses.

On the importance of qualitative research in environmental psychology

Ratcliffe, E.R., Ogunbode, C, Wilkie, Stephanie, Jones, CR, Devine-Wright, P, Uzzell, D, Canter, D, Korpela, K, Pinto de Carvalho, L and Staats, H (2024) On the importance of qualitative research in environmental psychology. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 93. ISSN 0272-4944

Item Type: Article

Abstract

In their 2022 (p. 3) editorial, Schultz and McCunn propose that JEVP “is not an outlet [...] for work that is purely qualitative in nature”. We write to express our concern at this statement. While we are pleased that qualitative research is still welcome in JEVP through mixed-methods studies, this policy risks diminishing the perceived value of qualitative methods alone. Qualitative research identifies novel phenomena and avenues of research and sheds light on unquantifiable experiences. We argue that prioritising quantitative research negatively affects our understanding of human–environment relationships, especially among seldom-heard populations, and privileges Western, objectivist paradigms of knowledge production. We suggest that qualitative and quantitative methods should be seen as equally valid tools, each with their own standards of application and reporting, and with their own strengths and weaknesses, that can be used to address different types of questions.

[img] PDF
Ratcliffe et al., accepted - On the importance of qualitative research in environmental psychology.pdf - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 24 November 2025.
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

Download (132kB) | Request a copy

More Information

Related URLs:
Depositing User: Stephanie Wilkie

Identifiers

Item ID: 17099
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102199
ISSN: 0272-4944
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/17099
Official URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Stephanie Wilkie: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-2829-9959

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 01 Dec 2023 16:01
Last Modified: 08 Oct 2024 10:47

Contributors

Author: Stephanie Wilkie ORCID iD
Author: E.R. Ratcliffe
Author: C Ogunbode
Author: CR Jones
Author: P Devine-Wright
Author: D Uzzell
Author: D Canter
Author: K Korpela
Author: L Pinto de Carvalho
Author: H Staats

University Divisions

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing > School of Psychology

Subjects

Psychology > Psychology
Psychology

Actions (login required)

View Item (Repository Staff Only) View Item (Repository Staff Only)