Qualitative Research

Qualitative Research

1. Context of the Case

The blog focuses on urban development transformed into public green areas, which are spaces that improve quality of life, environmental sustainability, and social interaction. These spaces also provide ecosystem services and help mitigate issues like pollution and urban heat.

2. Semi-Structured Interview (8 Questions)

Research objective: To explore perceptions, experiences, and expectations about transforming Malecón Tajamar into a public green area.

1. Section A: Background

   1. Can you describe your relationship with Malecón Tajamar (resident, visitor, activist, authority, etc.)?
      (Purpose: contextualize participant role)
   2. How has your experience with this area changed over time?
      (Explores temporal perception of urban change)

   Section B: Perceptions of Urban Development

   3. What do you think about the past urban development project carried out in Malecón Tajamar?
      (Identifies opinions about the conflict and development decisions)
   4. In your opinion, what were the main environmental and social impacts of that development?
      (Links to biodiversity loss and social concerns mentioned in the case)

   Section C: Public Green Areas

   5. What does a “public green area” mean to you in the context of a city like Cancún?
      (Explores conceptual understanding; aligns with definitions of urban green space)
   6. What benefits do you think a green area in Tajamar could bring to the community?
      (Health, environment, recreation, social interaction)

   Section D: Future and Solutions

   7. What actions or strategies would you propose to transform Tajamar into a sustainable green space?
      (Generates solutions and stakeholder input)
   8. What challenges or barriers do you think could affect this transformation?
      (Explores feasibility and policy/social constraints)

3. Sample Size

For this qualitative case study, the sample size should be 12 participants.

Suggested sample distribution:

Stakeholder group	Sample
Local residents of Cancún / nearby area	6
Environmental activists or NGO members	3
Urban planning / environmental experts	3
Total sample size	12 participants

Justification:

The methodology proposes semi-structured interviews with local residents, environmental activists, and urban planning experts to explore social perceptions and environmental priorities for Malecón Tajamar. A sample of 12 participants is appropriate for a qualitative case study because it allows in-depth responses while remaining manageable for analysis.

Sampling type: purposive sampling.

Reason: participants should be selected because they have knowledge, experience, or direct connection with Malecón Tajamar.

4. Sample Size Justification for the Qualitative Research based on Research Biblography

The selected sample of 12 participants is appropriate for this study because it follows established principles in qualitative research, particularly the concept of data saturation.

4.1. Data Saturation Principle

Data Saturation refers to the point at which no new relevant information or themes emerge from the data.

• According to Guest, Bunce, and Johnson (2006), saturation often occurs within the first 12 interviews in homogeneous groups.
• Similarly, Creswell (2013) suggests that 5–25 participants are sufficient for qualitative case studies.

Therefore, a sample of 12 participants is adequate to reach meaningful saturation while ensuring depth.

4.2. Depth Over Breadth

Qualitative research prioritizes rich, detailed data rather than large numbers.

• Patton (2002) emphasizes that smaller, carefully selected samples allow for in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences.
• Semi-structured interviews, like the ones designed, require time for probing and analysis, making a moderate sample size more effective.

4.3. Case Study Strategy

This research follows a case study approach, which typically involves small, purposeful samples.

• Yin (2018) explains that case studies focus on contextual understanding, not statistical generalization.
• The goal is to capture multiple perspectives (residents, activists, experts) rather than represent a large population.

4.4. Purposive Sampling

The use of Purposive Sampling supports a smaller sample size.

• Participants are selected based on relevance and knowledge, not randomness.
• This ensures high-quality, information-rich data, which reduces the need for large samples.

4.5. Final Justification

A sample of 12 participants is justified because it:

• Aligns with data saturation standards (Guest et al., 2006)
• Fits within recommended ranges for qualitative case studies (Creswell, 2013)
• Supports in-depth data collection (Patton, 2002)
• Matches the case study methodology (Yin, 2018)
• Is appropriate for purposive sampling

Prompts:

Prompt 1: You are a Researcher English student. Design an eight-item semistructured interview for the case in the attached link: https://englishresearchbyelmersantana2026.blogspot.com/2026/03/urban-development-as-public-green-area.html

Prompt 2: Now, determine the sample size.

Prompt 3: Justify the sample based on research bibliography.