Methodology

rosenstiel school

We use diverse qualitative (e.g., semi-structured interviews, PhotoVoice), quantitative (e.g., surveys), and mixed social science research methods (e.g., Q-methodology, Qualitative Comparative Analysis).

When appropriate, we prefer to use participatory methodologies and knowledge co-production processes that engage non-academic research participants as partners in every stage of the research process – from conceptualizing research questions to publishing results. Participatory methodologies can improve equity in the research process and enhance the quality, salience, and impact of the knowledge that is produced.

Moving the needle

In some of our work, the focus is on the methodology itself.

Over the last 13 years, we have contributed to the development of Collaborative Event Ethnography – a novel method for studying the production of global environmental governance through collaborative fieldwork at large international meetings (see projects for more information). 

We have also co-authored publications on how to do “strong collaborative fieldwork” in human geography (Gray et al. 2020) and opportunities and challenges of knowledge co-production (Chambers et al. 2021; Chambers et al. 2022).

Recognizing the value of the arts and humanities in conservation, we are currently exploring new partnerships with artists, musicians, and poets to develop and apply arts-based methods in our work. Arts-based methods offer a powerful tool for changing the way we and others think, feel, and act about our scholarship.