Doing Q Methodological Research

Theory, Method & Interpretation
Simon Watts - University of East Anglia, UK
Paul Stenner - Open Univeristy, UK
Doing Q Methodological Research
April 2012 | 248 pages | Sage UK
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ISBN: 9781446290705
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ISBN: 9781849204149
Available from January 0001

Description

This book introduces the theory and practice of Q methodology. The authors explain the origins of Q methodology in factor analysis and the R methodological procedures, and go on to explain the theory behind Q as set out by the method's early pioneers. They also look at how Q deals with issues such as subjectivity, abduction and constructivism. The book shows readers how to set up, run, and analyze an effective study using Q methodology. Illustrated with examples and case studies throughout, the book offers advice on highly practical issues such as the conduct of fieldwork, working with participants, and good data management.

Contents

PART ONE: THEORY

  • Introducing Q Methodology: The Inverted-Factor Technique
  • Theory and Q Methodology: From Stephenson to Constructionism

PART TWO: METHOD

  • Basic Design Issues: Research Questions and Q Sets
  • Doing the Fieldwork: Participants, Materials and Procedure
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (1): Factor Extraction
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (2): Factor Rotation and the Preparation of Factor Arrays

PART THREE: INTERPRETATION

  • Factor Interpretation
  • Writing and Publishing Q Methodological Papers
  • Appendices
  • General Instructions for Completing a Q Methodological Study
  • Conducting an Analysis Using PQ Method: A Step-by-step Guide (plus an explanation of the PQ Method output or .lis file
  • First Draft Crib Sheets (for study factors 2, 3, 4 and 5)

Additional materials

Description

This book introduces the theory and practice of Q methodology. The authors explain the origins of Q methodology in factor analysis and the R methodological procedures, and go on to explain the theory behind Q as set out by the method's early pioneers. They also look at how Q deals with issues such as subjectivity, abduction and constructivism. The book shows readers how to set up, run, and analyze an effective study using Q methodology. Illustrated with examples and case studies throughout, the book offers advice on highly practical issues such as the conduct of fieldwork, working with participants, and good data management.

Contents

PART ONE: THEORY

  • Introducing Q Methodology: The Inverted-Factor Technique
  • Theory and Q Methodology: From Stephenson to Constructionism

PART TWO: METHOD

  • Basic Design Issues: Research Questions and Q Sets
  • Doing the Fieldwork: Participants, Materials and Procedure
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (1): Factor Extraction
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (2): Factor Rotation and the Preparation of Factor Arrays

PART THREE: INTERPRETATION

  • Factor Interpretation
  • Writing and Publishing Q Methodological Papers
  • Appendices
  • General Instructions for Completing a Q Methodological Study
  • Conducting an Analysis Using PQ Method: A Step-by-step Guide (plus an explanation of the PQ Method output or .lis file
  • First Draft Crib Sheets (for study factors 2, 3, 4 and 5)

Additional materials

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Doing Q Methodological Research

Theory, Method & Interpretation


April 2012 | 248 pages | Sage UK

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Hardcover 31/03/2026 9781849204149 $210.00
Paperback 31/03/2026 9781849204156 $102.00
Lifetime 28/03/2023 9781446290705 $87.00
180 Day Ebook 28/03/2023 9781446290705 $60.00

This book introduces the theory and practice of Q methodology. The authors explain the origins of Q methodology in factor analysis and the R methodological procedures, and go on to explain the theory behind Q as set out by the method's early pioneers. They also look at how Q deals with issues such as subjectivity, abduction and constructivism. The book shows readers how to set up, run, and analyze an effective study using Q methodology. Illustrated with examples and case studies throughout, the book offers advice on highly practical issues such as the conduct of fieldwork, working with participants, and good data management.

Table Of Contents:

  • PART ONE: THEORY
  • Introducing Q Methodology: The Inverted-Factor Technique
  • Theory and Q Methodology: From Stephenson to Constructionism
  • PART TWO: METHOD
  • Basic Design Issues: Research Questions and Q Sets
  • Doing the Fieldwork: Participants, Materials and Procedure
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (1): Factor Extraction
  • Understanding the Analytic Process (2): Factor Rotation and the Preparation of Factor Arrays
  • PART THREE: INTERPRETATION
  • Factor Interpretation
  • Writing and Publishing Q Methodological Papers
  • Appendices
  • General Instructions for Completing a Q Methodological Study
  • Conducting an Analysis Using PQ Method: A Step-by-step Guide (plus an explanation of the PQ Method output or .lis file
  • First Draft Crib Sheets (for study factors 2, 3, 4 and 5)

Recent Product Reviews:

A lovely introduction to Q methodology which is not commonly taught across UG programmes of study. Is helpfully illustrated with examples and case studies.
Mrs Sarah McNamara, Dept Nursing & Primary Care Practice, Liverpool John Moores University
Q methodology won't necessarily be employed by many people in their early research efforts, but for those adventurous enough to give it a try, this book is invaluable. It's very readable, clear and comprehensive. I don't know of any other book on the topic that falls into this same "one stop reading" category."
Mr Bill Green, Secondary Education, Wolverhampton University
This is an excellent book that is much needed with regards to this particular methodology. I teach Q methodology here at the University of Worcester and this book will now be our core text.
Dr Derek Farrell, Department of Psychology, Worcester University
THis is a fantastic book, absolutely essential to anyone considering doing Q methods based research. there are almost no training courses available in this method, but with this book I felt confidant in undertaking research in this adn will use it as a tool for training my students
Dr Kirsty Kiezebrink, Public Helath Nutrition, Aberdeen University
This is the best text I have read on the subject of Q methodology, both at an introductory level and for researchers wanting to shape their craft.
Mr Kieran Balloo, Department of Psychology, Roehampton Univ.

Recommendations