VALUE OF USING MULTIPLE METHODS - AN ILLUSTRATION USING SURVEY, FOCUSGROUP, AND DELPHI TECHNIQUES

Following the lead of Denzin (1970), the authors used a triangulation strategy to develop a framework for assessing the condition of harvest ed nonindustrial private forests (NIPFs) and information on owners' fo rest management knowledge, intentions, and objectives. The purpose of this procedure was the development of protocols to guide field investi gators in their conduct of NIPF owner interviews and site evaluations. Two of the three methods, mail surveys and focus groups provided init ial insights into the forest stewardship statements of NIPF owners. Us ing data drawn from these procedures, the authors used a delphi proces s to develop specific criteria and standards for use in field applicat ion. The development and application of the resulting forest stewardsh ip metric provide important insights into understudied areas of forest land ownership.