Doing Q Methodological Research: Theory, Method & Interpretation

by Simon Watts, Paul Stenner

This book is a simple yet thorough introduction to Q methodology, a research technique designed to capture the subjective or first-person viewpoints of its participants. Watts and Stenner outline the key theoretical concepts developed by William Stephenson, the founder of Q methodology, including subjectivity, concourse theory and abduction. They then turn to the practicalities of delivering high quality Q methodological research.

Using worked examples throughout, the reader is guided through:

important design issues

the conduct of fieldwork

all the analytic processes of Q methodology, including factor extraction, factor rotation and factor interpretation.

Drawing on helpful conceptual introductions to potentially difficult statistical concepts and a step-by-step guide to running Q methodological analyses using dedicated software, this book enables interested readers to design, manage, analyse, interpret and publish their own Q methodological research.

Genres: Research

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2012

Reviews

[Romée Lammers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly useful book for q-method newbies, like me. Gives a thorough introduction into the method, all while being very ‘hands on’.

[Ellie Hanjian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lent to me by my advisor, who I am working on a Q-method project with. This book is incredibly useful for students or researchers who are interested in using Q-method (mixed method for studying subjectivity/perspectives on a topic). I find the writing to be very clear and the instructions on how to perform, analyze, and interpret extremely useful. If anyone has a master’s thesis/undergrad thesis/research project in their future (and is sick of boring old interviews), I would absolutely recommend trying out Q-method - and using this book.

Some shortcomings - Q-method was developed by a psychologist, and the examples used in this book do not stray from this too much. I think the world of this method could be refreshed with a more diverse set of examples of where and when the method can be used … hope that makes sense.

This book also assumes (bc it is outdated) that automated analysis tools like Q-Assessor and Q-Method Software do not exist. It gives instructions on how to perform analysis by hand. If you want/need to do that b/c lack of funding then I think the instructions are great. If you have the funding, I would recommend using q-assessor (which also allows you to perform studies remotely)[the authors also assume you would be performing the study in person].

[Pascal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doubles as a thorough introduction to the methodology and a hands-on reference guide. It has been my trustworthy friend in the past six months while writing my master thesis.

What may add extra value to the book is an updated paragraph on available software for online sorting and for running the factor analysis. Given the fact that the last book updates go back to 2012, software packages like Ken-Q-Analysis and QMethodSoftware are not mentioned, while in my personal experience these tools deserve the attention of researchers and students alike. Especially in times when in-person sortings and interviews have become less obvious.

[Sue Ramlo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This text is kind of like a Q cookbook... sure, it has a recipe for doing Q but it is incomplete and sometimes incorrect in its description and use of this complex methodology. Read Thomas & McKeown if you are looking for an introduction to Q instead.

[Tim Holyoake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well written textbook that has fired up my enthusiasm for using this methodology should it be appropriate to my research aims. The worked example provided is of suitable complexity to get to grips with the subtleties of analysis, without it being too onerous or complex to understand.

[Shuyi Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book for beginners. It gives you a good overview and guide to conducting your own Q study. I have followed it methodically and have reached the end. The book has helped me at every stage of the process, including analysis and write up.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, absolute must have for any novice Q-researcher. I could hear Simon's voice in my head as I was reading it - this has delivered exactly what they promised it would.

[Thita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really really recommend this book to anyone interested doing Q. Providing crystal clear step by step instruction, it's like "Q methodology for dummies"!