DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17661052
title: Dataset for the analysis of farmers' perceived financial and non-financial costs of biodiversity measures by means of Q-methodology

description: # Q-Methodology Dataset from 34 Farmer Interviews

## Title**Q-Sorts from 34 Farmers on Perceived Financial and Non-Financial Costs of Biodiversity Programs**

## Authors- **Verena Scherfranz**, BOKU University  (ORCID: 0000-0002-3496-5957)- **Lena Schaller**, BOKU University (ORCID: 0000-0002-8313-8798)

## DescriptionThis dataset contains numerical data collected during 34 structured Q methodology interviews with farmers. The purpose of the study was to examine how farmers perceive financial and non-financial costs associated with participating in biodiversity programs.

The dataset includes detailed socio-demographic and farm-level information as well as the individual Q-sorts for each participant across a set of 41 statements. All data has been fully cleaned and anonymized.

## ContentsThe dataset is provided as a single Excel file containing:

- **Farm and Farmer Characteristics**  - Country    - Farm type    - Farm size    - Farm management    - Employment status    - Years participating in biodiversity programs    - Age and gender    - Agricultural education    - Whether the farm is family-run  

- **Q-Sorts**  - Individual Q-sort values for 41 statements    - Forced distribution ranging from **–4 (strong disagreement)** to **+4 (strong agreement)**    - Statements relate to perceived *financial* and *non-financial* costs of biodiversity program participation

## MethodologyData was collected using Q methodology, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to identify shared viewpoints within a group of participants.  In total, 34 farmers were asked to sort a **Q-set of 41 statements** into a predefined forced distribution. Ratings ranged from –4 to +4, reflecting levels of disagreement or agreement.

Farm characteristics were documented to contextualize sorting patterns and support interpretation of emerging perspectives.

After collection, the data was cleaned, quality-checked, and anonymized to safeguard participant privacy.

## File Format- **Excel (.xlsx)** — compatible with Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, and Google Sheets.

## Metadata / Variable DescriptionsThe Excel file includes:- An anonymized respondent ID  - Farm and demographic variables  - Q-sort scores for each of the 41 statements (numeric, –4 to +4)

Coding schemes and variable names are documented within the spreadsheet.

## Usage Notes- Data is anonymized and suitable for Q-methodological re-analysis, cluster interpretation, or comparison with similar Q studies.  - When reusing the data, please credit the authors accordingly.  - Users may consult the associated publication for methodological details and interpretation of factors.

## License**CC BY 4.0** — You may share and adapt the material with appropriate attribution.

## How to Cite*(Replace the placeholder DOI after Zenodo upload.)*

> Scherfranz, V., & Schaller, L. (2025). *Q-Sorts from 34 Farmers on Perceived Financial and Non-Financial Costs of Biodiversity Programs* (Version X). Zenodo. DOI: *to be added*

## Related PublicationSchaller, L., & Scherfranz, V. (2025). *Farmers’ perceptions of financial and non-financial costs of biodiversity programs: A Q-methodology study*. Ecological Economics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108694

## ContactFor questions regarding the dataset, please contact:  **Lena Schaller**, BOKU University  ORCID: 0000-0002-8313-8798