On the importance of qualitative research in environmental psychology

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.