What is Q Methodology?

Registration for our Q Methodology introductory workshop is now closed.

Q Methodology combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to study ‘subjectivity’. Using Q techniques researchers are able to uncover and interpret shared views, perspectives, opinions, values and beliefs. Those shared viewpoints can then be described in rich detail.

The main steps in a Q study involve the rank ordering of a collection of items, typically statements of opinion printed on cards, onto a grid. This ranking of the cards is known as a Q sort and analysis examines the similarity between Q sorts. Factor analysis is used to identify clusters of similar Q-sorts. The identified shared views (or factors) are represented by a unique ordering of the cards for each factor. These idealised Q-sorts, calculated as a weighted average of similar Q sorts for a given factor, are then interpreted and described.

Introduction to Q

Rachel Baker: Q Seminar  in Vancouver  to the British Columbia Support Unit