You are here:
Ecosystems and People: Qualitative Insights
Citation:
Weber, M. AND P. Ringold. Ecosystems and People: Qualitative Insights. IN: EHS Bulletin, Center for Environmental Research INF, Cincinnati, OH, (3):2-8, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
To describe quantitative versus qualitative techniques for characterizing ecological values, with a focusing on defining ecological units through focus groups and interviews with the public.
Description:
Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are crucial in researching human impacts from ecological changes. This matches the importance of ?mixed methods? approaches in other disciplines. Qualitative research helps explore the relevancy and transferability of the foundational ecological units. Quantitative assessment of ecological changes is then in a stronger position to assess the importance of ecological changes. Our research is designed to help to make data natural scientists collect more usable and useful to society, and therefore lead to improved environmental decisions.