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Doing Q Methodological Research
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Doing Q Methodological Research
Theory, Method & Interpretation



March 2012 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
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.

 
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)

 

This is the book the Q community has been waiting for! Aspirational Q researchers will find it a comprehensive, balanced and thorough guide, taking them systematically from refining their research question(s) to publishing their first Q methodological study
Wendy Stainton Rogers
Professor Emerita, The Open University


Watts and Stenner's fresh, comprehensive introduction to Q methodology factor analysis and interpretation is consistently sensitive to the less-experienced researcher's need for clear explanations and extensive supporting details. All Q researchers will value its range of practical tips and elaboration of important concepts
Amanda Wolf, Editor, Operant Subjectivity: The International Journal of Q Methodology



 

According to the Q community this is' the book which they have been waiting for. To date, there lacked a book in which the simple and robust method is introduced. As a teacher and researcher, I am glad Watts and Stenner fill this gap with their book.[...]The content of Doing Q methodological research is divided into three parts, respectively into theory, method and interpretation. The book is peppered with examples and case studies and the authors give advice on very practical matters, such as conducting fieldwork, working with the participants and conducting good data management.

Susan Jedeloo
KWALON Journal

This is a comprehensive, clear, ‘one-stop start’ to the method with some very useful chapter summaries and appendices. [...]Together with the all-important recommended free software package for the data analysis if you were thinking of taking this approach this would be a good place to begin.

Dr Ron Iphofen,
Independent research consultant

The book is very clear and concise, plus it is fun to read. It is written in a way which provides the theoretical background first and then builds on the practical guidance.

Dr Robin Bell
Worcester Business School, Worcester University
April 1, 2016

A comprehensive book detailing the essentials of Q methodology for novice researchers in the field and also for those with more advanced qualitative researching skills wanting to update their knowledge and skill set in Q methodology. An easy to follow read for undergraduates students.

Miss Rebecca Healey
School of Social Sciences and Law, University of Teesside
November 25, 2015

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
April 2, 2015

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
October 1, 2014

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
April 30, 2014

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.
March 27, 2014

As someone new to this approach, I found this book comprehensive in its guidance and explanation of Q methodology. It gives useful, practical advice on how to design and conduct a research study using this technique and deals with some fairly difficult concepts in a way that was easy to follow.

Professor Alison Kington
Institute of Education, Worcester Univ.
January 14, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One


For instructors

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