Q Methodology

Motivational Study. Co-Authored with Dr. Herbert J. Walberg, 1996

Abstract Q methodology combines the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, and its use in research has been facilitated by recent developments in computer software. Q methodology is briefly illustrated in a single-case study of the subjective ...

In this paper the author outlines the features of Q method and assesses its suitability as a qualitative research method. She discusses the process of using the method and its particular approach to researching the range and diversity of subjective understandings, beliefs, and experiences. Q method is particularly suitable for identifying commonality and diversity and has a powerful capacity for thematic identification and analysis. In the author's view, Q method makes a contribution to expanding the repertoire of qualitative research methods.

Q methodology is a research approach that is neither fully qualitative nor fully quantitative and is thus a bridge between the two approaches. 1 It is little known nor understood in nursing and deserves to have a much higher profile. It has been used extensively by psychologists and social scientists, and lends itself to many uses in nursing research. In this editorial we will give you a brief overview of its use and application. The goal of Q methodology is to uncover different patterns of thoughts, perceptions, opinions, attitudes and beliefs 2,3 using a systematic and rigorous quantitative procedure 3. Thus it is a way of understanding subjective phenomena in a quantitative way. Subjectivity refers to ideas that are based on personal opinions, life experiences and feelings. In nursing it is vital to understand how people's ideas are shaped by these influences, for example someone's choice of food when ill or preference for particular treatments. Participant responses are also analyzed in Q methodology and these can provide rich qualitative data to enhance the findings. Q methodology allows us to identify, understand, and categorize individual perceptions and opinions, and then cluster groups of these categorizations. 3 This research approach also emphasizes the qualitative how and why people think the way they do, but not how many people think a certain way. 2 Studies using Q methodology typically employ small sample sizes, and results of these studies are less influenced by low response rates compared with the results of survey studies 2. Moreover, Q methodology allows us to identify " groups of participants having similar and alternate viewpoints and in turn to ascertain similarities and differences between groups " 4 , because the idea behind Q methodology is that only a limited number of distinct opinions exist about any topic. 5 Instead of generalizing the phenomenon being studied back to a population, Q methodology seeks to capture and interpret the various points of view held by populations. 1 The Q methodology Process There are five distinct steps as outlined in Figure 1. Many of the terms in Q methodology are referred to in different ways and these are detailed in the figure. We will discuss each step using our current research as an example.

ANS. Advances in nursing science, 2016

This article advances nursing research by presenting the methodological challenges experienced in conducting a multination Q-methodology study. This article critically analyzes the relevance of the methodology for cross-cultural and nursing research and the challenges that led to specific responses by the investigators. The use of focus groups with key stakeholders supplemented the Q-analysis results. The authors discuss practical issues and shared innovative approaches and provide best-practice suggestions on the use of this flexible methodology. Q methodology has the versatility to explore complexities of contemporary nursing practice and cross-cultural health research.

2016

The research methodology known as Q Methodology is relatively unknown in the Malaysian sphere. Nonetheless, if you are uncovering ‘points of view’ held around a topic, Q Methodology is one of the methods to consider. There are seven (7) steps in Q Methodology implementation which combine both qualitative and quantitative methods. The aim of this article is to give an overview and steps to implementation of Q Methodology. Q Methodology, in this article is exemplified through a study on the conceptions of Autonomy in Language Learning.

Advances in Nursing Science, 2017

This article advances nursing research by presenting the methodological challenges experienced in conducting a multination Q-methodology study. This article critically analyzes the relevance of the methodology for cross-cultural and nursing research and the challenges that led to specific responses by the investigators. The use of focus groups with key stakeholders supplemented the Q-analysis results. The authors discuss practical issues and shared innovative approaches and provide best-practice suggestions on the use of this flexible methodology. Q methodology has the versatility to explore complexities of contemporary nursing practice and cross-cultural health research.

Q methodology enjoys increasing popularity and use among scholars and students in the Netherlands. Many people that develop an interest in Q methodology, however, find it difficult to gain access to the relevant background literature and instructions for use.

2000

The purpose of this seminar is to introduce statistical and methodological principles associated with the use of Q method in the study of subjectivity-with primary emphasis on its applicability to problems of public policy-and to locate Q methodology within the framework of contemporary science. Q methodology evolved from factor-analytic theory in the 1930s, and since that time has been applied in the systematic study of a wide range of subject matters in psychology, political science, communication, the health sciences, education, and the behavioral and human sciences more generally, and increasingly in the policy field. Attention will focus initially on historical and methodological developments, with special emphasis on factor-analytic and epistemological foundations, and on the fundamental importance of subjectivity in all human action. Subsequently, the seminar will move to applications in substantive areas of particular interest to participants. Time and other resources permitting, actual studies will be undertaken, individually or collectively. Students with Disabilities University policy 3342-3-01.3 requires that students with disabilities be provided reasonable accommodations to ensure their equal access to course content. If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to make arrangements for necessary classroom adjustments. Please note, you must first verify your eligibility for these through Student Accessibility Services (contact 330-672-3391 or visit www.kent.edu/sas for more information on registration procedures).

This paper aims to introduce Q-methodology in phenomenological research. We discuss the process of using the methodology and demonstrate Q-methodology’s distinctive features and its particular approach to researching the range and diversity of subjective understandings, beliefs and experiences. Q methodology is particularly suitable for identifying commonality and diversity and has a powerful capacity for thematic identification and analysis. In our view, Q-methodology can make a contribution to expanding the repertoire of phenomenological research methods available to psychotherapists. In the final section of the paper we provide an example of a research project using Q-methodology. The project aims to increase our understanding of therapists’ subjective attitudes, beliefs and experiences in working with clients with problems of addiction. Using Q-methodology it was possible to construct a unique configuration of each participant’s engagement with the topic, and at the same time to identify four distinctive factors, indicating patterns of divergent understandings of addiction. Each factor is shown to be a multifaceted construct which does not conform to a priori conceptualizations. Keywords Q-methodology, phenomenological research methods, qualitative research methods, therapists’ understandings of addiction.

International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2010

This article examines Q methodology as an empirical method for use in social work research. Q methodology applies statistical analysis to the qualitative study of human subjectivity such as attitudes, beliefs, feelings and opinions. Q methodology is effective for obtaining data from small samples, and it offers respondents a concise and valid way of expressing their viewpoints with minimal researcher interference. The article provides an overview of Q methodology and presents an actual example of a small‐scale Q study to facilitate a better understanding of the method. We conclude that Q methodology is especially suitable in social work research with respondents who may have difficulties in expressing themselves when more conventional research methods are used. Q methodology is an efficient tool in research involving the exploration and comparison of different points of view.