Seeing the Urban Forest Through the Trees: Building Depth Through Qualitative Research

Abstract

Urban forest research using quantitative research methods has enabled researchers and policymakers to make informed decisions. Using qualitative research methods may increase our understanding and knowledge of the urban forest. This article describes the nature of qualitative research, describes why it has not been a common research method in urban forestry, and illustrates what role it may have in urban forest research. We conclude that qualitative research may enrich our knowledge and understanding of the urban forest.

Review on the Application of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Forest Planning and Sustainable Management

“…By doing so, the aim is to ensure that these solutions are comprehensible and acceptable to a broad spectrum of stakeholders [29,146,151]. Furthermore, the lack of qualitative research methods connected to UF-NBS suggests a limited comprehension of human-nature relationships [154][155][156]. This may be attributed to the fact that qualitative methodologies do not always yield findings that can be applied to the broader population.…”

“…Their application is lengthy and thus expensive when compared to their quantitative counterparts [156]. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to incorporate qualitative research approaches alongside quantitative methods [154,155,157,158]. Meanwhile, institutional fragmentation, also known as 'sectoral silos,' represents a significant obstacle [117].…”